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WILLIAM LAMBERT STANFIELD

1924 - 2020

WILLIAM LAMBERT STANFIELD obituary, 1924-2020, Toronto, ON

BORN

1924

DIED

2020

WILLIAM STANFIELD Obituary

STANFIELD, WILLIAM LAMBERT May 5, 1924 - May 13, 2020 It is with a sad heart that we announce the passing of another of Canada's heroes and storyteller after a long and service-filled life. William Lambert Stanfield was born in an East York home on May 5, 1924 to William Leonard Stanfield and Jane Moorehouse who along with his sister Peggy Joyce (deceased) resided in the Broadview and Danforth area of Toronto. His fondest memories are of his time spent at Earl Kitchen School, but due to job shortages, the family was forced to move around, a lot. So aged 13 at the end of grade eight, he entered the work force where he worked in the cooler of a dairy (six days a week) and at other odd jobs until the war broke out. Already in the militia prior to the war, he enlisted with the Queens Own Rifles in 1940, even though he was only 15, so he could serve oversees. He was posted in Newfoundland to protect vital infrastructure with their WWI guns and "wooden cannons". His Mother's report of his underage status eventually forced his return to Canada where he did guard duty and lots of training, including time on Vancouver Island. The day after his 18th birthday he took his new rank of corporal with him and enlisted with the Lorne Scots TFD R.R. of the Canada (Royal Regiment) and was soon posted to southern England where he trained as a carrier driver until the Normandy invasion. He landed with the second regiment as part of the second wave. He fought with them and through luck and fate he managed to: survive a nervous sentry's friendly fire; a cancelled recon to no-man's land (the sergeant was killed an hour before he was to go); an 88 shell that took out 8 of his comrades; and dysentery during an attack! Finally, on August 8th, the day after the famous Monty's moonlight breakout that precipitated the closing of the Falaise Gap, he received a machine gun bullet to the thigh. This ended his time in Normandy but this lucky shot left him with no residual damage. While convalescing in England he learned of his father's passing, brought on by the receiving of the telegram about his injury. After some much deserved and longer than permitted R&R with his cousins and "friends", he was shipped back to Canada and discharged in September 1945. Once back in Toronto, he worked a series of odd jobs including as a glacier, a profession that he would continue part-time throughout the rest of his working life. A colleague (Ken Wardle his future brother-in-law) introduced him to Shirley Wardle and soon after landed his dream job with the North York Fire Department. In 1951 with a permanent job now, he and Shirley moved to the community of Wexford on Burnley Avenue to live out their lives. Bill spent 32 years, most of those as a Captain at 5 Hall, generating many more stories including: the infamous cattle train wreck (1950's) that required him to use his shooting skills to euthanize trapped and injured animals. He worked at Toronto's first propane explosion at the Rutherford train yard (circa 1960s) and the tanker explosion on the Don Valley Parkway (1970s), among many other "stories". There are boundless fishing, hunting, boating, gardening and cottaging stories that help define a vivid life. On the domestic side, he and Shirley with whom he would spend 45 years until her premature passing in 1996, raised three children: Nancy (Richard Bridson), Leslie (Cathy Quinn) and Raymond (Barb Sommerville); his grandchildren: Christopher (Danya), Kyle (Lindsey), Michael (Samantha) and Carleigh (Marc); Ryan (Olivia) and Kelly (Adam); Krystle (Josh) and Jamie (Leanne); and his great-grandchildren: Nora, Emma, Ava, Lily, Kendra, Myria, Jaxson and Meeka; as well as Les's spouse, Anne Dumbrille. He will be missed by his extended family of friends and former colleagues at the North York/Toronto Fire Department and its Honour Guard members. We also wish to recognize his good friend Dorthea (Dot) Garbutt (deceased) who helped Dad through many years after mom's passing. Finally, our sincerest thanks and appreciation to all the staff at the Wexford for all their support and professionalism throughout his time there and to his loyal visitors and friends, especially Josie, who all went above and beyond through the last few years to improve Dad's Wexford time, sending him cards, phoning him regularly and bringing him "treats". A Celebration of Life will be held in the future when the current situation allows.

Published by Toronto Star on May 23, 2020.

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Memories and Condolences
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6 Entries

Hello. I was looking for another Obit when I came upon Bills. My late father, Jim Vickers, was also a captain in NYPD and often talked about Bill. My brother Tom also remembers him and Bill made him piece of glass for his fireplace. He also recalls the stories about him in the war and his heroics. Our sincere condolences to family and friends.
Steve and Tom Vickers

Steve Vickers

Served In Military Together

May 28, 2020

On behalf of the Lorne Scots Regimental Association, our sympathy and condolences are extended to the entire Stanfield family at this very sad time.
Stewart Sherriff
Secretary
Lorne Scots Regimental Association

Stewart Sherriff

May 26, 2020

Nancy, Les and Ray, I remember your dad from many years ago when we all lived on Burnley. I didnt know him much at the time, of course, being a child, but I do remember him being a hard worker. As an adult I was able to spend more time with him occasionally when there would be a BBQ in the neighbourhood and I know that he was always very much full of life. He would greet me warmly by saying Hello Dear! (probably while he took a moment to place who I was, but I was fine with that!) and then reminisce with me about things that we did as kids growing up on the street. He was very proud to have served his country in both the war and the fire department and, as you say, it took very little prompting to get a story or two from him. Sending love to everyone in the Stanfield and Bridson families.

Jill Noakes

Neighbor

May 25, 2020

Deepest sympathy to all family of Bill from Australia. I met Uncle Bill and Aunt Shirley in 1981, when I visited Toronto with my grandparents Ted and Dorothy (first cousin of Shirley) and my mother Marilyn. We had a wonderful evening with the family, they put on a little party for us. So pleased to have met this wonderful man. RIP Bill, you have earned it.

Kylie Jackson

Family

May 24, 2020

On behalf of The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada Association (Toronto Branch) our deepest condolences to The STANFIELD Family on the passing of Veteran William Stanfield. Had the opportunity of meeting William at numerous City of Toronto D-Day Ceremonies. He was always talkative and was proud to have served in The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
RIP Sir.
Brian Budden
QORA (Toronto Branch)
President
Health & Welfare Chairman

Brian Budden

Friend

May 24, 2020

Many years of wonderful memories of the Stanfield family and the Pritchard family get togethers ... camping, ... at the Stanfield cottage and ... many many parties. Your Dad / Grandpa will be missed. Our condolences to Nancy, Les and Ray and your families. You might be grandparents, but still think of you guys as the little Stanfield kids. Take care. Hope your many memories of your Dad will give you some comfort. Trish (Pritchard) Prytulak

Trish (Pritchard) & Bryan Prytulak

Friend

May 23, 2020

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