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Bud Stanley Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Bud Peter Stanley on Monday, February 27, 2023, in Waterloo, Ontario. He died peacefully in his sleep just a few days shy of his 91st birthday after being beset by ill health over the past year.
Bud is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Michelle Stanley (nee Thivierge) as well as six of their seven children - Brian Stanley (Manon Guerin), Karen Vanderkruk (Andrew), Lynn Stanley (EJ Bauer), Jeffrey Stanley (Christine), Greg Stanley-Horn (Diane) and Kevin Stanley (Snezana Djakovic). Sadly, Bud was predeceased by his eldest son Lew Stanley (Kristen Kielty) in 2020.
Bud was born and raised in the northern Ontario town of Cochrane by his mother Thelma Renc (nee Wlasuk) and his stepfather John Renc. Thelma and her sister Pearl left their native Ukraine for the opportunity of a new life in distant Canada in 1913.
Growing up, Bud developed a life-long love of sports and began to demonstrate the leadership qualities that would lead him to a successful career in municipal parks and recreation management, culminating in 20 years as the City of Kitchener's Director of Business Facilities. At the City, he oversaw, among other things, the modernization and transformation of the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, leading the facility through a series of important events from Women's World Hockey Championships to Memorial Cups, big ticket concerts, Canadian Figure Skating Championships and many more events which helped enhance Kitchener's profile around Canada and the world. Bud was founder and President of the Ontario Arenas Alumni for 21 years.
Bud married the love of his life Michelle in Cochrane in 1953 and their indomitable partnership and desire for opportunity for their family brought them ever southward, from Cochrane to Sturgeon Falls to finally, Kitchener-Waterloo and New Hamburg as they somehow managed to raise a family of seven children along the way. Even after 70 years, the strength of their enduring love was demonstrated by the inspirational care and support provided by Michelle as Bud's health began failing this past year.
Bud was a caring father, a kind and loving husband and a fun, warm and generous person who brightened the lives of all he met with his good humour, integrity and compassion. His love of the Toronto Blue Jays and a good baseball game was perhaps only really surpassed by his love of gardening, growing and sharing delicious vegetables his whole life. Bud also loved to travel and with Michelle, helped inspire a love of travel and adventure in his sons and daughters. With Michelle and from humble roots, he raised a large family who have gone on to diverse, successful lives here in Ontario and Quebec (and 22 grandchildren and great-grandchildren!).
Bud's passing leaves us all with a deep sadness but he leaves an even bigger legacy in his tremendously positive impact on our lives - to sacrifice in service for our friends, family and community, to constantly strive to be better people, to challenge us to see what we are capable of and to share with others a generous heart full of humility and humour.
We invite you to join us in honouring Bud's memory at a Memorial Mass which will be celebrated at St Agatha RC Church, 1839 Notre Dame Drive, St. Agatha, on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. A livestream and recording of the Memorial Mass is available at www.erbgood.com for those who are unable to attend.
Condolences for the family and donations to The Canadian Cancer Society or The House of Friendship may be arranged through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street S. Waterloo at www.erbgood.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bud Stanley
Sponsored by Erb & Good Family Funeral Home - Waterloo.
4 Entries
Tony & Susan Brenner
March 4, 2023
Dear Michelle & Family:
Our deepest sympathies and our heartfelt condolences are being extended to you at this difficult time of Bud´s passing into eternal rest.
Please take comfort in knowing that, just as he touched so many lives in his special way, he may now rest eternally, having so wonderfully accomplished his purpose in life.
We have so many fond memories of wonderful times together over the years. Bud was always a special friend, mentor, leader, and, above all, such an honest, humble, and genuine person. He was a man of wonderful character, charming personality, great sense of humour, but above all, a true model of human-kind.
Take solace in knowing that Bud will be forever memorialized in so many ways, by so many people, in so many places, for so many accomplishments in the multitude of lives he enriched through his presence in the lives of others. Bud has passed through this world having truly made it a better place for all who were blessed with his presence.
Bud´s spirit will certainly live on in the memories that he left all of us with to cherish.
Our hopes and prayers are offered for his eternal peace, and to all of you for comfort and strength in the times ahead.
Tony & Susan Brenner
Linda and Fred Field
March 2, 2023
Bud was my fathers first cousin, in fact, his only cousin and his Mom was my Great Aunt Thelma. He was the last of that generation. When I was growing up Bud was the recreation director in Cochrane.
Bud and I started emailing each other around 11 years ago. We shared memories and he sent pictures of relatives and filled us in on details that we didn´t know or forgot. It was nice to have a connection to the past.
We were fortunate to have had a wonderful visit with Bud and Michelle and Jeff and Brian a couple of years ago. They were on their way to Cochrane and stopped in Englehart to see us.
I guess the driver (Jeff?) and Bud were so immersed in their conversation that they drove right through
Englehart, missed it, and only realized that when they saw a sign for the turnoff to Kirkland Lake . We teased them about missing a community so large. Although we hadn´t seen each other in many, many years there was no lull in the conversation. The visit was so enjoyed and went all too fast.
We would like to express our deepest sympathy to Michelle, Brian, Jeff, Karen, Lynn, Kevin, Greg and families on Bud´s passing. May the comfort of family and friends give you strength for today and the days to come and may all your wonderful memories over the years, the love and laughter, help you during this time of sorrow. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in Peace Bud.
Love, Linda, Fred & Michael Field
John L Fraser
March 2, 2023
Bud certainly was a great supporter for many of us as we broke into the arena field. I always enjoyed time spent with Bud who was a fun and wise mentor to many of us. He was proud of his northern Ontario roots which further connected with us over the distance. please know Michelle I hold you and your family in thought and prayer as you journey these next days. I am certain he will live on with you through many memories of fond and fun times you shared. Blessings, Grace and Peace
John Fraser
Sudbury
Loretta
March 2, 2023
Bud was a real inspiration to us in the gardens of Morningside. A lovely man!
Brian and Loretta Whitfield
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Erb & Good Family Funeral Home - Waterloo171 King Street South, Waterloo, ON N2J 1P7