George Stanley Durst was born on November 25, 1926 in Detroit, Michigan to George and Florence Durst. He was named after his father but was known to everyone by his middle name, Stanley. Stanley was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 69 years, Janet.
Stanley was the loving father of Daniel, Jennie (William) McIntyre, the late Peter and daughter-in-law Jane Harrington-Durst. Proud grandpa of William (Carly) McIntyre, Scott McIntyre and John Durst. Dear great grandpa of Elle and Blake McIntyre. Stanley also leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews. Sadly, he lost his only sibling Robert Durst in 1958 at the young age of 36.
Stanley grew up in Detroit, Michigan. He attended Cooley High School. During World War II, he served in the United States Navy from September 1944 until July of 1946. After the war he attended Michigan State College graduating with a bachelor’s degree in zoology. On May 19th 1951 he married “the love of his life” Jessie Janet McMath. They welcomed three children Daniel (1953), Jennie (1954) and Peter (1957). They resided in Detroit until moving to Livonia in 1976. Stanley worked for the State of Michigan in the Health Department as a dairy inspector. After retiring in 1984, he enjoyed traveling and spending summers at his cottage in Canada.
Stan loved hunting. In fact, opening day for pheasant season was October 20th, his wife Janet’s birthday and opening day for deer season was November 15th, his son Pete’s birthday. Needless to say, both their birthdays were celebrated on a different date. He had a hunting cabin in the upper peninsula named Kamp Kiva, which holds so many memories for those who hunted with him.
Stan also loved the water. He purchased land in Canada on Lake Erie in 1958 and built a cottage in 1959. Having the cottage, he owned many boats over the years. His most prized was an antique boat, a 1956 Chris Craft.
Stan also enjoyed reading. His love of reading may have saved his life. On December 5, 1945 while in the Navy and stationed in Fort Lauderdale, he was enjoying an article in a magazine and wanted to finish it before heading over to operations to sign up for Flight 19 to acquire time for flight pay. As he walked out of the barracks, Flight 19 was rolling down the runway. Flight 19 disappeared over the Bermuda Triangle and no trace of the aircraft or crew were ever found.
Stan and Janet were members of Evergreen Village/St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church where they enjoyed the fellowship of so many friends for over 70 years.
Stan resided in assisted living for the last 4 years of his life where they affectionately referred to him as “Stan the Man”. He was always known for his big smile.
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
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