Stanley John Matthew Alanen

MATTHEW ALANEN March 29, 1947 - February 4, 2026
Father Stanley John Matthew Alanen passed away in Kingston, Ontario on February 4th 2026 at the age of 78. Stanley was born on March 29, 1947, and spent his childhood in the area surrounding the small hamlet of Nolalu, Ontario near Thunder Bay. Proud of his Finnish heritage, he often reflected warmly on his upbringing, family life, and the values rooted in that close-knit northern community. He attended elementary school in Nolalu and Nipigon, Ontario, and completed his secondary education at Selkirk Collegiate and Vocational Institute in Fort William, now Thunder Bay.

As a young man, he travelled by train to Brockville, Ontario, where he entered nursing school at Brockville Psychiatric Hospital, graduating on September 4, 1971. During this time, he was inspired by Darnell Dickenson and Father Thomas Raby to enter the Catholic faith. He was baptized on my 31, 1973, and confirmed on May 18, 1947, by Father Thomas Raby at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Brockville.

Studying for the priesthood, he received a Bachelor Arts in Philosophy on May 26, 1977 from St. Jerome's College in Waterloo. After completing his theological studies at St. Augustine's Seminary, Father Stan was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Kingston on June 27, 1981.

He began his ministry as Associate Pastor at St. Mary's Cathedral and lat er at Our Lady of Lourdes. He also served as chaplain at Regiopolis-Notre Dame High School and at the prison for Women. Over the years, he faithfully shepherded many communities, serving as Pastor at St. Anthony (Centreville) and Director of Renew/St. Philip Neri-St. Denis (Toledo-Athens); St. Mary (Chesterville); St. John (Gananoque); Rectory of St. Mary's Cathedral; and Blessed Sacrament (Amherstview). Due to illness, he retired from active ministry in 2016.

Father Stan loved to travel and found great joy in cooking and baking, often sharing his creations generously. He was deeply involved in the life of the parishes he served, offering not only spiritual guidance but warmth, hospitality, and steady pastoral care.

He was predeceased by his parent, Wilho and Lahja Alanen; his brother Archie Alanen, and his sister Donna Alanen (Jeff Cannon). He is survived by his bother Harold Alanen (Catherine), half-brother Wilbert Alanen (Selma), nieces Rachel Duclos (Alanen, Heather Alanen, Julie Czinkota, Kayla Cannon, and Jenna Cannon; nephew Keith Alanen (Shellley); and numerous cousins.

Visitation will be held on February 16 from 5:00-7:00 p.m., followed by a prayer vigil at Blessed Sacrament Parish, 3 Briscoe Street, Amherstview, Ontario.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Blessed Sacrament Church on February 17 at 2:00 p.m. with Archbishop Michael Mulhall officiating, followed by a reception in the Parish Hall.

The family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to the staff of Providence Care Heritage II palliative care unit for the compassionate and excellent care Father received.