Remembering Grandpa Stanley: A Life of Service, Love, and Mower Repair

​Today, we honor the life and memory of a truly remarkable man, Stanley, whose journey took him from a boy in Canada to a soldier in Italy, and finally, to the loving patriarch of a beautiful family. He was a man defined by service—to his country, to his community, and above all, to the family he cherished.

​Stanley’s journey with the Perth Regiment began when he was just 19, and by 21, he was overseas, part of the grueling Italian Campaign. His role as a truck carrier was vital, a relentless, dangerous job bringing essential supplies to the front lines. He faced unimaginable risks; he was almost shot many times, a testament to the sheer danger he navigated day in and day out.

Miraculously, he returned home in one piece, but as many veterans know, war changes a person. Stanley was a changed man, carrying the heavy weight of what he had witnessed and endured.

​A Love Story Forged in Letters

​Before he shipped out, fate had a beautiful plan for Stanley. While stationed in Montreal, he met a wonderful woman: Violet James, who would become the love of his life. Their romance was kept alive through pen and paper, a testament to their deep commitment as they exchanged love letters across an ocean of conflict.

​When Stanley returned, he didn't hesitate. He found his Violet, and on October 20, 1945, they were married, beginning a beautiful life together that would last for an incredible 52 years.

Their family blossomed with the arrival of their three beloved daughters: Sandra, Barbara, and Violet. As their family grew, Stanley and Violet were blessed with a wonderful group of grandchildren: Lynn, Janet, Cindy, Nancy, Julie, Stanley, Christopher, and Kenneth. To all of them, he wasn't just Stanley—he was the best Grandpa in the world.

​A Helping Hand in His Community

​After the war, Stanley built a life of honest work, first at Maxwells and later as a kind and familiar face, the high school janitor at St. Mary’s DCVI, where he worked until his retirement. But his service didn't end with his uniform.

​Stanley was a constant fixture at the armories and the Legion, always lending a helping hand behind the bars, upholding the spirit of camaraderie and support for his fellow veterans. He was a very caring and loving man, one who showed his love through action.

​Perhaps one of the most endearing things about him was his passion for fixing things, particularly lawnmowers. He was the guy in town—the reliable expert you went to when your mower broke down. It’s a simple image, but it speaks volumes: Stanley, sleeves rolled up, patiently working to fix something broken, a man who, despite all he had seen, dedicated his life to making things whole again for his community and his family.

We remember Stanley today for his courage in the face of danger, his dedication to his wife Violet, the fierce love he had for his family, and the quiet, steady service he gave to everyone he met. He leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, and the unwavering truth that a truly good man is the greatest gift of all.

​What's your favorite memory of Stanley? Share a story in the comments below!