It is with heavy hearts the family of Stanley Edward Thadeus Doyle (Drygantuk) announce his passing. Stan came into this world on December 25th 1917 and passed away quietly at his home in Fruitvale on October 15th, 2019; 9 weeks short of his 102nd birthday. Stan was the epitome of good health, had a strong heart, and was fiercely independent. He passed away with dignity, surrounded by his family.
Stan was born in Nelson, growing up with his parents, grandparents and many cousins. He had many fond memories of his childhood. He was predeceased by his sisters Victoria and Kay and brothers; Adam, Joe and Francis.
In 1942, Stan joined the army as a Heavy Infantry Radioman. He served with the 49th Edmonton Regiment - Loyal Eddies. After the war ended, Stan gained employment with the CPR, with a longtime career of 53 years of service. In 1948, he met and married his wife Nancy and happily raised their family in Sunningdale, making many lifelong friends. If working for the CPR wasn't enough, he also slung beer at the Arlington. Stan and Nancy were devoted Catholics, with Stan acting as a server. They had a very strong faith. He was also a lifelong Legion member.
After his retirement, Stan and Nancy sold their home and moved to the Tamarack apartments where he was the building caretaker. They spent many winters travelling to California to his sister's homes. He was retired for longer then he worked and paid taxes until the end! Soon after, Stan and Nancy moved to Fruitvale. After 1 snowfall, they headed back to Trail. Stan then took care of his ailing wife until her passing at home in 1993. A few short months later, he moved back to Fruitvale into a home built by his sons James and Brian and was tended to so caringly by his devoted daughter-in-law Debbie. He enjoyed having a garden, building many projects and spending hours in his workshop. He was a man of many talents.
Stan lived a very long life, saw a lot of changes and appreciated simple things. He was a very humble man. We always teased him that he lived so long because of eating porridge daily since childhood, (which had to be made perfect every time) his Johnny's seasoning salt and the endless garlic he ate! Stan always took the opportunity to tell a good story, with memories dating all the way back to being 5 years old! He was sharp until the end. Stan also enjoyed camping, a day on the water trying to catch the big one, a drive up the mountain for a pail of huckleberries, and was always up for a day of mushroom picking with his buddies.
Stan will forever live on in the hearts of his kids, grandkids and great-grand kids. He is survived by 4 sons and a daughter: David & Margo (Vancouver), Daniel (Trail), James & Lee (Fruitvale), Brian & Debbie (Fruitvale), Marie & Jeff (Honduras), 9 Grandchildren; Andrew, Steven, Jennifer (Jason), Shaun (Kaley), Tricia (Greg), Joel (Crystal), Dan, Kevin, Robbie, as well as his 7 great-grandchildren; Colton, Ryan, Marc, Julia, Stanley, Emry and Leon, whom he loved every visit with and who loved him equally back. He also leaves behind his beloved sister Marie (California) many nieces and nephews.
Stan's family would like to send out a special Huge Thank You to all of the people that helped Stan remain at home until the end. Dr. Behrens, Leanne Marshman, Sylvia Wilson, Donna Bisaro, Lynette Perreault, Patti Constantin, Jean Arnot, Gwen Harmsma, Krista Osmond/ Home Care Nursing/Palliative Home Care and Trail Hospice. We are so grateful to each of you for all of your devotion to Stan, and the compassionate support shown to our family this past year.
As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made in memory of Stan Doyle to Greater Trail Hospice Society online or to 1500 Columbia Avenue, Trail, BC V1R 2J9.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Stan will be held at 11 am on Saturday, October 19th at St. Rita's Catholic Church in Fruitvale with Father Rafael Benosa, Celebrant. Legionnaires please attend. A reception will follow the Mass at 200 A Statts Road, Fruitvale, BC. Eric Toneff of Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services has been entrusted with arrangements.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family's online register at www.myalternatives.ca
Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services