JAMES GORDON (BOB) STANLEY

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MAJOR (RET.) JAMES GORDON (BOB) STANLEY C.D. 1923 - 2003 With profound sadness we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother on February 20, 2003, at St. Boniface Hospital Palliative Care. Bobs memory will be forever cherished by his loving wife Theresa (Terry) nee Bourassa, of 59 years; son Robert and wife Patricia; grandchildren, Noah, Adam and Laura; sister Margaret Conlin of Calgary and brother Herbert (Doris) of North Bay. He was predeceased by sons, David Ryan in infancy, and James (Jimmy) in 1994, and by his mother Elizabeth and father William Herbert in 1970. Bob was born in Calgary, AB, received his education there and joined the R.C.A.F. in 1942. He graduated as a pilot and served as a flying instructor before his overseas duty. Upon returning he attended the Provincial Institute of Technology and Arts, Calgary and University of Alberta, Edmonton. He accepted a short term commission with the R.C.A.F. as a flying instructor in 1948, later transferring to the R.C.N. int he same capacity. In 1955 he opted for civilian flying and flew single and multi-engined aircraft throughout the high Arctic, sub Arctic and all of Canada. Later, when Transair was formed, he flew scheduled and chartered flights throughout Canada, the U.S.A., transAtlantic and transPacific. He served the Canadian Airline Pilots Association as Vice-President and company representative for a number of years. Medical problems grounded him in 1971 and he was appointed, in order, Director of Personnel, Director of Flight Operations, and Director of Charter Coordination for Transair. His lifetime interest in flying continued even after Transair was taken over in 1976. He then became associated with Canadian Forces Air Command at the Air Cadet Gliding School and remained there until retiring in 1980. He loved his family, his home and his friends and was always ready to help wherever he could. His last years were filled with serious health problems, loss of mobility and sight, but his mind remained keen and he never lost interest in others and in his hobbies. He appreciated the wonderful doctors and nurses who were there for him all through his last years. For them and those who continue to support us all in prayer and calls, words are not adequate to express our thanks. If friends so desire, donations in Bobs memory maybe made to St. Boniface General Hospital (Dialysis Unit), 409 Tache St., R2H 2A6, or Canadian Diabetes Association, 102 - 310 Broadway, R3C 0S6. A memorial service will be held at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, 4000 Portage Ave., on Tuesday, February 25, 12:30 p.m. Pastor William Ehlers officiating. Reception to follow.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 22, 2003