It is with great sadness that the family of Stanley Gatrell announce his passing on April 23, 2021 at the age of 83 years. Stan was born to Dan and Winnifred Gatrell on the family homestead north of Broadview. He attended Northwood School along with his 9 siblings. He was the oldest son at home when his dad died, and he took over the family farm, where he lived and worked hard his entire life. He fondly referred to the farm as his little corner of the world, and he wished that everyone could live like this. Dad had many jobs in addition to raising cattle and grain farming over the years, but his most notable was driving school bus for 39 years. He drove many a kid to Broadview School from farms north of Broadview including from Cowessess, Kahkewistahaw, and Ochapowace First Nations. Dad married our mom Lynda Bear on April 23rd 1973, and they raised 3 boys Brian, Tom and Richard and a daughter Shannon. Stan and Lynda later separated but remained the best of friends until her death in 2004. Dad was a great man, kind and compassionate, well respected and loved by everyone... he was a light in the world and quickly became a friend to everyone he met... he truly knew no stranger. He was a social butterfly and was always good for a story and conversation down at the coffee shop with the boys, or at a good old bonfire or BBQ with family and friends. He was very involved in the community and over the years volunteering on numerous boards and committees, and enjoyed a mean game of cards, skiing, golf and spent every winter at the curling rink playing games and helping put the ice in. He enjoyed going to watch his grandkids in their various sporting activities and spending time with family. Dad was not a man to judge anyone and would bend over backwards to help friends and strangers alike. He had many great neighbours over the years and was always available to help out with any task. He was a kind and gentle soul who in his final years loved nothing more than a coffee on the deck and walks with his dog Mokie and Shannon at the farm. He loved to host and have a big full house of family and neighbours at Easter, Christmas and New Years and the door was always open and coffee pot on. His smile and big wave will be deeply missed by everyone. It is hard to imagine life without his smile and hugs. The world would be a better place with more people like Stan.
Stan is survived by his siblings Wilfred (Linda) Gatrell, Elsie (Murray) Patrick, Wynn (Vince) Reidy, Kathy (Tom) Coolican, Janet (Laverne) Maurer; Sons Brian (Ivy) Bear, Thomas (Raquel) Bear, Richard Bear (Denise); Daughter Shannon Gatrell and his dogs... constant companion Mokie and faithful Dexter; Grandchildren Tristan, Jordan, Logan, Brittney, Boston, Cody, Mackenzie, Carter, Connor, Kelsey & Casey, Tyrell and great grandchildren on the Bear family side, special nieces Colleen, Cheryl & Gail. He was predeceased by his wife Lynda, parents Dan and Winnifred; siblings Andy & his wife Evelyn, Frank & his wife Edie, Jack & his wife Evelyn, Georgie & her husband Rod; grandson Houston Bear and numerous friends and neighbours.
Our heartfelt thanks go out to his caregiver Summer and the staff and nurses at the Broadview Centennial Lodge who loved and cared for him the past few months. In lieu of flowers, donations in Stan’s name can be made to a Humane Society of your choice, the Canadian Cancer Society, Alzheimer Society or the Heart & Stroke Foundation.
Due to Covid restrictions, a private Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, May 1 at 2 pm. The celebration was livestreamed with the link below.
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