Stanley Russell Komer

passed away in Burlington, Ontario, on Saturday, July 19 after a long, happy and full life, at the age of 99 years. Beloved husband of the late Anne (Splonick) Komer for 50 years and more recently the late Doris (Mauthe) Komer for 23 years and Loving father of Wayne Komer of Toronto and Dr Larry Komer and his wife Joan of Burlington, brother to the late Joseph Komer and Elsie Salichuk, grandfather to Scott, Kim and Matthew. Lovingly remembered by Kristine Komer Long and Marty Long, Layla and Cathy Komer and good friend Gary Rodger.

Stan was born in Toronto but lived most of his life in St. Catharines, working for 41 years at Thompson Products where he was a proud member of its Old Guard. He took only two sick days from work in four decades (his quote: They pay me to work, not to stay home!). He could clip the 30-foot hedge at 29 York Street absolutely level just by eye. He had two loyal dogs, Old Pete and Pierre; only two, because he could not bear their loss.

Stan had a life-long love affair with Pepsi Cola, Chevrolets, science fiction, dark rye bread, tomatoes, buttermilk, poker, driving vacations, reading, The Mandarin restaurants, Al Jolson, Lawrence Welk and his own music. He played a half-dozen musical instruments but mainly the saxophone, clarinet and bass. He was in the Murray Morton orchestra in the 50s and in a band with Joe Sajur that performed at weddings and dances on weekends. He briefly played in vaudeville in St. Catharines in 1942 at the Palace and had one song published, You’ll Be Sorry, with Chester Chaffe. His music career spanned 75 years.

He took his driving test in 1938 and after that owned over a dozen cars in his lifetime – among them a 1934 Ford, a 1937 Nash, a 1946 DeSoto, a 1951 metallic green Chevrolet and a 61 Pontiac. “A good car should last at least 10 years” he said. He kept his driver’s license and drove well into his 90s, much to the consternation of family and friends. He had a cheerful outlook on life and could see the bright side of any situation. He was devoted to his mother and helped her on her farm all of her years. He delighted in his family, even when they groaned at his jokes. He was a tremendous role model as a father even though he did not have the benefit of one.

He has been cremated. There will be a reception and tribute and many “Stanley stories” told at the memorial gathering to celebrate his life on Monday August 11, 2014 at 7 PM at The Atrium at The Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to Covenant House to help the homeless kids of Toronto, the city where Stanley grew up. On-line tributes may be made at www.hulseandenglish.com.