Stanley Wingfield
Montreal, Jan. 5, 1959
~ beautiful years ~
Feb. 12, 2023, Canmore
Stan's family and friends are saddened to see his infectious smile, laugh and gentle nature leave us so soon. Over the last week, we have felt the genuine love for Stan from each of you and thank you for your support, stories, and thoughts.
Stan grew up in Montreal, experiencing the Olympics, the World Expo, the Expos and Les Canadiens. He showed an enthusiasm for learning and enrolled in Montreal’s first alternative school, Moving in New Directions, (MIND). This group of eclectic students and professors introduced him to music, photography and psychology. He engaged in sports like Judo, gymnastics, skiing and and family fishing adventures in Kipawa and Parc La Verendrye. He went on to study philosophy at Concordia University. He travelled to the UK, Europe, across the States, Mexico and the Caribbean, where he fondly remembered dancing and celebrating with 200 Rastafarians. He ventured to the Rocky Mountains, driving his Blue CJ Jeep across the country. He was hired in room service at the Banff Springs hotel and later moved to maintenance. Staff and friends appreciated Stan for his love of nature and wild adventurous spirit. He was always up for organising staff for new adventures. Four wheeling at night, (Mount Allen), canoeing, hikes and camping were highlights. He was an avid photographer, and OF course skier. Here he developed lifelong friendships, with his brother and sister also joining him to work at the Springs. Later he worked at the Sulpher Hot Springs and the Banff Centre. In the 90's he obtained his ticket in plumbing and opened Alpine Plumbing in Canmore. In later years he became a certified Yoga teacher, practicing and teaching in the Bow Valley as well as retreats across the West with cherished friends. He was somewhat of an amateur mapmaker providing hand drawn maps to hidden canoes, sacred waterfalls and crystal clear water sources.
Stan was the Man who was always there for support, comfort, guiding and teaching. He was a trickster always infusing his sense of humour into any interaction. An integral part of our family’s growth: his nephews remember a loving man with a full heart for others, who loved nature, animals, psychology and music. He was always willing to try a new activity, but most importantly he could lift your spirit in seconds. Someone with twinkling eyes, the best chuckle (and a wonderful salad maker).
No matter the place, experience or activity, Stan had likely dabbled in it. He dipped his toes in the many ponds of the world to which he had travelled and was always happy to share his experiences and knowledge.
He was predeceased by his parents Stan and Jeannette. He leaves behind his brother Steven of Montreal, (wife Sylvie, deceased, nephews Carl and Jonathan), Susie of Canmore, (Dave, nephews Dexter and Morgan) and a wealth of cousins and family members back East, who he cherished.
A memorial to remember and share experiences of Stan will be held on March 17, 2023 at the Bill Warren Training Centre at the Canmore Nordic Centre, from 17:00-20:00. Light food and beverages, both alcoholic and Kumbatcha will be on hand.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Nature Conservancy of Canada or Canadian Diabetes Foundation.
