PERCY RAYMOND STAPLEY, QC

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PERCY RAYMOND STAPLEY, QC Percy passed away peacefully at home June 3, 2014 at the age of 87. He was a lawyer, public servant, family man and punster. Percy was a lifelong Anglican, born in 1926 to Mabel and William Stapley and was the last of four children. He attended Queenston Elementary, Robert H. Smith Junior High and Kelvin High School. He went on to study at United College (University of Winnipeg) and then studied law at the University of Manitoba. Percy was in private practice with A.S. Morrison and Thor Guttormsson for a number of years before joining N.M. Paterson and Sons (Global Foods) as legal counsel. In this period, Percy joined the Mouse Trap Club, a group of fun loving jokesters. Percy always appreciated a good play on words and was a fine writer of doggerel. He enjoyed a good debate, a dry martini and the sharpest cheddar cheese he could find. He was always one who lived life to the fullest. Percy appreciated a rousing card game and a good time with his close friends the Porritts, Guests and Murrells. He was a warm man with a great sense of integrity. He was family oriented, professional, athletic, sociable, and loyal. Percy was involved in many aspects of community life; he sat on the boards of the Arthritis Society and the Grace Hospital for many years. He coached soccer and speed skating and spent countless bitterly cold weekends as a starter. The highlight of his speed skating starting career was when he was named an assistant starter at the Calgary Olympic Games. Sports were always a part of Percy's life. As a youngster he skied, ran track and later curled at the Granite Curling Club. He also shared his passion for golf with his wife Elizabeth. Percy was fortunate enough to stay in his home until his passing. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth, four children: Nancy Stapley (husband Rob Elliott and daughter Nicole); Heather Douglas (husband John, son Michael, daughter Kate Wilson, son-in-law Rob Wilson and great-grandchildren Rylan and Kensley); Chris Stapley (wife Marney and daughters May and Daphne), and daughter Margaret Derraugh (husband Murray and son Matthew). He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered. In lieu of flowers, the family would request that donations be sent to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. A Celebration of his Life will be held at St. George's Anglican Church at the corner of Wilton and Grosvenor at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 11, 2014.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 07, 2014