Wendy Ann Stanley

She is survived by her devoted husband Al, sons Scott (Mollie), Leonard (Karen), Kevin (Yuki), and daughter Sheri, grandchildren Julia, Jonathan, Joshua, Madeleine (Heather), Sara, Kirsten (Derek), Kenny (Keona), and Amber (Jordan), and great grandchildren Ilona, Layne, and Kyro, as well as Wendy’s brothers Barrie, Doug, and Craig, and her sister Bonnie. Wendy was predeceased by her father Ray Barraclough in 1976 and mother Audrey (Sally) Barraclough in 1999.

Wendy and Al were married in Kaslo, BC in 1958, and were married for over 67 years. They settled in Port Alberni in 1962 and established themselves as significant members of the community.

Wendy raised her four children as a “stay at home” mom, with plenty of discipline and support, helping with homework and restricting TV until chores were done. She passionately supported her children’s education and their many activities as an engaged parent, buying a piano so the kids could practice, standing in the rain watching soccer games, and decades of volunteering, along with Al, as leaders for Cubs and Scouts, continuing for years after her own kids had grown out of it.

Wendy and Al have always been generous and giving of their time and money in their community and abroad, including charitable organizations such as the Ty Watson House, and sponsoring children overseas, including fostering children in Africa, and serving as host parents for several students from Asia who completed their secondary schooling in Port Alberni. They had such an impact that one of these returned from China decades later with his parents and his own children. They were also a host family for participants in Canada World Youth.

Wendy was committed to education. Her final year of high school cut short by her family’s move from Saskatchewan, she instilled in her own children a drive to be as educated as they could be. Wendy read most of the books in the local library, and continued to pursue learning from TV and the internet for the rest of her life.

Over the years, Wendy and Al explored much of North America in various RVs, from the Arctic Circle to Arizona, Vancouver Island to Newfoundland. They ventured further abroad to Hawaii and Mexico, too. Wendy had a great mind for organization and finances, and managed her household, as well as other enterprises. As her kids got older, she took a job driving an adapted transport bus for Wheels for the Handicapped for about 15 years, eventually taking on management roles and responsibilities. She also volunteered delivering Meals on Wheels for a number of years.

Wendy and Al embraced many activities, including camping, fishing, curling, golfing, and lawn bowling. Wendy won awards in bowling and race walking, and even medaled at the BC Seniors Games in Fernie in 1999.

One of Wendy’s most celebrated contributions was her deep involvement with the Friendly Phone Service of the Sunshine Club, for which she volunteered, including coordinating the callers, for upwards of 30 years.

In retirement, Wendy and Al continued to give back to their community, including volunteering for about seven years as Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, guiding tourists in Cathedral Grove, the train to McLean Mill, and the MV Barkley out to Ucluelet and Bamfield.

Wendy was devoted to animals, including her beloved dog Shona and was a dedicated gardener with special love for roses.

A celebration of life took place on Monday, November 17.