It is with a heavy heart that the family of Stanley Patrick Kenneth Edwards, otherwise known as Grandpa, announces his passing just 55 days after the love of his life. Their real-life “Notebook” love story has come to an end, but their memories will live on through their family and friends.
Grandpa was born on March 29, 1932 in Sellars (District of Thunder Bay) and grew up on the family farm. He learned to cut pulp wood, use the family sawmill, and then onto heavy equipment.
Grandpa truly was one of a kind. The stories of him growing up would have us all laughing. His mom always said you never knew what he would do next. This was still true at the age of 92, his mind was still sharp and he was still making everyone laugh.
When he was 19 years old, he was asked to give a lovely girl a ride out to Pearson. She would be waiting on Simpson St. Grandpa told us he fell in love with her on that drive and that Grandma would say the same. Grandpa always liked to joke that he picked Grandma up on Simpson Street. They were married on October 11, 1952, and have had a storybook romance just shy of 72 years.
They built their home on Poleline Rd and stayed there for as long as they could. Their door was always open and Grandpa would be stoking their kitchen cook stove to make sure everyone was warm. He’d always have a story to share over a cup of coffee or a Coors. If he wasn’t in the house asking Grandma to make him something to eat you’d find him down at his garage tinkering or in his loader, dump truck, or on Buella his bulldozer.
Grandpa was a man of many talents. One of his special talents was witching wells. He built the road up Mount McKay, and many other local roads. I know most people think their Grandpa is the strongest, but back in the day ours held the title of Arm Wrestling Champion at the Stanley Hotel. He could fix or build almost anything. He built their home on Poleline Rd, their camp on Prelate Lake, and another camp on Arrow Lake. He milled all the lumber on his sawmill. His craftsmanship shines through when you’re at camp. The beams and cupboards were all built by hand. He built numerous kitchen tables and benches for family and friends. One is still at camp where crib games are played and stories are told. We are continuing to use Grandpa’s lumber in some of our own special projects and are so grateful to him for that.
He loved spending time with his grandkids and great-grandkids. The kids would always love a big snowstorm because that meant there would be loader rides with Grandpa. In the summer there would be picnics on the pontoon boat, Grandpa would tie boards to the boat so the granddaughters and their friends could spend the day diving off of it. At night he would take them and grandma fishing. Once in a while, Grandpa would want to take just Grandma fishing and he’d say he was taking Grandma “trolling”.
Often Grandpa would be watching his family, he’d look at Grandma with a twinkle in his eye and say “Grandma, look what we started”. Grandpa is survived by his daughters Karen and Ellen, his grandchildren Robi (Trevor), Kalie (Todd), great-grandchildren Emma, Carson, Peyton, Ava, Archer and sister in law Melba Flank. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, and close friends who are like family and loved him like their own Grandpa.
He was predeceased by his love Grandma (Betty), parents Chester and Nora, in-laws John & Thora Flank, his siblings, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and other family members.
The family would like to thank the staff of 7N Hogarth Riverview Manor for the care and love they gave Grandpa.
A private family interment will be held at a later day. If you wish, a donation to the local food bank or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street at James.
Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com
