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Adam Stanley posted a condolence
Monday, June 1, 2009
My grandad was a lot of things, to a lot of people. It’s hard to say that to my sister and I, and to Jeffery and Sarah he was just a grandad though, not your typical old man who liked homemade wine, Tilley hats, hitting the links, and scotch eggs – which, by the way, could quite possibly be the weirdest food concoction I have ever witnessed someone eat. No, my Grandad was a lot more than that to us, and he certainly was able to connect with many people on levels that have lasted life-time. If one was to Google the town of Kerrobert, Saskatchewan where my Grandad grew up, one can’t help but have a laugh. It is hard to believe that my Great Aunt Joan and my Grandad came from this town, with its population of 1,001, and it’s even harder to believe that the town has its own website. But, any town that has four churches and a golf course would have suited my Grandad to a T. No wonder he left though, there wasn’t a Pub. Speaking of Pubs, Grandad made it into the University of Saskatchewan on scholarship. It’s shocking to believe that a full year of University education back then totaled about $750, and sure, he got some money from the school, but most of it came from hustling at the local pool hall. I couldn’t believe that he had once been a shark, especially after the first game we ever played when I actually beat him. He convinced me to play one more game though. Big mistake. One thing that I was always able to beat my Grandad at after those first two times we played was golf. I can’t begin to explain how much fun I had with my Grandad playing golf. He was always able to take me out to play whether it was here around Toronto, or up at the cottage. Even when I got to see him for the last time a few days ago he asked me how I played the day before; and even repeated back my score. I could see an impressed twinkle come across his eyes, and I had to thank him for introducing me to a life-changing sport. Thanks to my Dad too, for being left-handed; Golf just happened to skip a generation in my family. Many of you have memories of my Grandad that you’ll be able to cherish for a very long time, and those were just a few of mine that I wanted to share today. So whether or not you knew my Grandad as a golfer, a drinking buddy, a well-known man in Life Insurance, or the only person who could get away with rainbow suspenders while playing Horseshoes, he always had a smile on his face. After asking him how he was doing one day a few weeks back he told me that “as long as the sun is shining, I’m happy.” So, Grandad here’s hoping that the sun will always be shining for you now.
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Joanne Pickett posted a condolence
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Dear Dana and Lisa and both of your families, I was so sad to hear this morning about the death of your Dad. For me it was always a special treat to see Bill arrive at my shop in Arden each spring - big smile, warm hug and lots of cheerful banter. There were always lots of stories about his how his winter went, about his friends , about his travels, but most importantly about his children and grandchildren who were the foundation of his life. He derived such great pleasure in recounting the goings on of you guys and your families. Of course, being the person he was, Bill was also interested in talking about whatever was going on in my life and within my family. He was a great listener and - as I came to discover - a wise and thoughtful and kind man. I can see his smiling eyes and big grin right now - in my “mind’s eye” . I will miss (do miss) him terribly. Please accept my deepest sympathies , Love, Joanne
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Doreen Porter (wife of the late Dr. Tom Porter) posted a condolence
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Dear Bill's family, I was sorry to read of Bill's death in today's paper. My husband, Dr. Tom Porter was Medical Director of Imperial Life during part of Bill's working life there and always held Bill in highest regard both as a colleague and friend. I know he would want me to express condolences to his family. I have happy memories of times spent with Bill and Liz at various Imperial Life gatherings both in Toronto and at conferences held in other locales. We were always impressed by their friendliness and the joy they shared in each other. May you be comforted by your memories and their love for all of you. With sincere sympathy, Doreen Porter
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Rosemary Kelly posted a condolence
Friday, May 29, 2009
Some memories of my Uncle Bill - from Rosemary One day (at least 35 years ago), Annie wanted to drop something off for her Aunt Liz after work and I went along for the ride. I had met Mary and Clint but no one else in Annie’s family yet. Lizzie brought us into the kitchen, where she was having an afternoon coffee, and when we joined her I felt as if I were visiting a longtime friend. In a little while Dana and Lisa came home from school and it was like meeting Annie’s little brother and sister. The next time I went to the house on Rolph Road Bill was there too and the warm, welcoming, fun. loving, interesting and interested picture from that first afternoon was completed. Bill and Liz created, and took with them wherever they went, a loving atmosphere which made anyone within it feel not just welcomed but valued and respected and enjoyed! Over the years I came to feel so much a part of this family; I now had what Anne had: people who were aunt uncle sister brother friend all bundled up together. After Liz’s tragic early death Bill showed us all how to carry on with dignity, not bitterness or self-pity, while coping with great ‘unfair’ loss and how to continue to look for the good in the present and future while honouring the past. How lucky we all are to have known such a friend, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, neighbour, parishoner, colleague. Bill had attitude and experience which he was happy to share but never gave advice without being asked, and he listened first, completely, and considered everything that was said - and unsaid. His outlook was so big, so wide so deep, - so wise - that not to heed his counsel would have been, simply, foolish. And yet I never heard him express even a slight recrimination if someone disagreed with him. I have learned through these past difficult months that Bill’s gift for understanding and supporting others with patience, generosity and humour has been passed on to Dana. Bill was so proud of his children and grandchildren and took such obvious joy in them. Bill’s heroic determination, following his stroke, was another shining example of graceful acceptance without ever giving in or giving up. Bill Stanley gently taught me many valuable tactics for coping with life’s side-swipes. . Here’s one of my favourites: When your boss gives you a ridiculous instruction or your friend shares a bizarre opinion or someone gives you unsolicited and uninformed advice, smile and reply, ‘I’ll take that under advisement’. One of the dearest sweetest sounds I know, and which I can easily conjure up if I need its comfort, is Bill humming softly and jingling coins in his pocket - something he would do whenever he was in the midst of those he loved, in his home, at Arden, at any family gathering- it’s a sound that I connect with contentment and pure happiness. I like to think that Liz and Annie and Clint and Ernie and Grandma Barnett and all the others who went on before him are hearing that sound now. Rosemary
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Graham Bootes posted a condolence
Friday, May 29, 2009
Fond memories of Bill at Arden. Sincerely, The Bootes Family
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Andrew Staples posted a condolence
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Dear Dana and family, Please accept my deep condolences on the death of your dad. We Staples shared many fond memories of visits at Arden, as well as at your parents house over the decades. Both your mum and dad played important part in our younger days. I still remember losing my first tooth at your house on an overnight visit! Although I cannot be present, I'll be thinking of you in the days ahead.
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Vicki and Peter Buck posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Our sadness at this time is shared by us and so many friends of Bill. He was a dear and cherished friend for many years. He was a mentor to both of us on many occasions. Whe shared so many laughs and tears over the years. We will surely miss him beyond words. Our love and hugs to you. Vicki and Peter
