Neil Charles Stainton

Neil Charles Stainton passed away peacefully at Hill House Hospice in Richmond Hill on December 9th, 2025, at the age of 90. Born on July 27th, 1935, Neil is predeceased by his loving wife Lois Elaine Stainton, his parents Percy and Irene Stainton, and his siblings Bernice, Murray, Maurice, Barbara, and Marlene. Neil is lovingly remembered by his son, Blair Stainton, and daughter-in-law, Jane Alway. Neil will live on in the hearts of his friends and extended family, including his sister-in-law Louise Stainton, and many nieces, nephews, and their families.

Neil grew up in Wingham, Ontario, in a bustling household centred around the family business, Stainton’s Hardware. After school and chores, Neil excelled at many sports including football, baseball, and hockey. He was proud to play on the celebrated “Stainton Spitfires” hockey team along with his brothers Murray and Maurice, a dream come true for their father Percy. Team sports developed Neil’s athletic skills and fuelled his drive for competitive excellence. Summers drew the family to the beaches of Lake Huron where they eventually built their own cottage - a place to gather and relax.

Neil was thrilled to have the opportunity to pursue postsecondary studies in London at the University of Western Ontario, graduating from the Ivey Business School in 1959.

While in London, Neil fell in love with Lois Blair, and they married in 1959. They moved to Toronto where Neil began a rewarding career with IBM that spanned more than thirty years. Their son Blair was born in 1961. The family moved to Kitchener in 1963, returning to Toronto in 1971 and settling into a new house where they created a lifetime of memories.

Family life included times spent at their cottage on Lake Huron enjoying the simple pleasures of sand and surf. Neil loved sailing with Blair, going on woodland walks, beach-combing, tennis, campfires, and taking in breathtaking sunsets. Neil relaxed while surrounded by nature, and he enjoyed capturing family moments in photographs.

After retirement Neil studied watercolour painting and woodworking with a community of like-minded artists. He created many beautiful paintings, and crafted furniture that became highlights of the cottage decor.

His own sense of composition and restraint was expressed in his refrain, “Remember, less is more”.

Neil was deeply curious to learn the history of the Stainton family in Ontario. He became a sleuth looking for stories and seeking the people who knew them. Neil met with and interviewed many relatives, near and far, collected the documents and photographs they so generously shared, and assembled them into a book to preserve their collective history for future generations. The friendships they forged brought him much joy.

Neil had a lifelong passion for music which he shared with everyone he knew. He enjoyed taking his family to Toronto Symphony concerts, and going to live jazz shows in various clubs and venues. The family often attended “The Advocats” big band shows; every song reminded Neil and Lois of the music of their youth, and naturally they were moved to take a spin on the dance floor… it was easy to imagine them back in the day, dancing the night away by the beach in Port Elgin.

In Neil’s later years he became caregiver to his beloved wife Lois during her health struggles. After her passing, he remained in their house and took great pride in living independently. We are grateful for the help Neil received from the Cozza family, and from his wonderful PSW, Georgia.

Neil tried not to let his aches and pains get him down, so when asked how he was doing he’d usually offer up a baseball metaphor: “Safe on third.”

Neil lived to an advanced age despite a number of health challenges. He received great care and support from the medical staff at PACE Cardiology, Southlake Hospital, Mackenzie Health, and North York General Hospital. The family sincerely thanks all the healthcare professionals who took such good care of Neil at all of these sites.

In his final days, Neil was cared for by Dr. Brian Berger and a wonderful team of nurses, PSWs, and volunteers at Hill House Hospice in Richmond Hill. Their expert care, warmth, laughter, and personal touch created a peaceful home for us to accompany dad on his journey, setting his spirit free.

A celebration of Neil’s life will be held in the summer of 2026; details will be announced on this site at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Neil’s memory to Hill House Hospice, Richmond Hill. www.hillhousehospice.com/inmemory