Donald Alexander Stanners
January 27, 1939 - June 23, 2020
Don died peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of June 23rd. One day after being showered with love on Father’s Day.
Don had a smile that would light up a room and the kindest, twinkling eyes. He was a great skier, and a fantastic swimmer. He held the world masters record in the incredibly difficult 200m butterfly. His swimming not only kept him fit, it was his meditation, and the pool was like his temple.
Don loved to dance. He started his dancing days with wife Penny. Following Penny’s death, a fateful reunion with his teenaged summer love Arlene put the pep back in Don’s step. They spent countless nights with their many friends dancing to their favourite live bands with moves that put the youngsters to shame.
Don was a voracious reader. He read the newspaper front to back every single day. He loved Louis L’Amour novels, and would read and re-read his extensive collection.
Born at the Miseracordia Hospital, Don was proud of his Edmonton roots and was a diehard Eskimo fan, so much so he took it upon himself to make sure he could only fall in love with Eskimo cheerleaders (both his loves, Penny & Arlene, were cheerleaders for his dream football team).
And Don was a devoted brother, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa and uncle. He was so proud of his children and all of their offspring. He called himself ‘the rent-a-crowd’ even though he never got paid to go to the many shows and events that his musical and sporty offspring were a part of.
He leaves behind his adoring gal Arlene Hasey, his sister San-Dee Lyons, brother Lorn Stanners (Linda), his children Kelly, Trent (Elaine), Tamara (Lorne Badger), and Karalee; his grandchildren Amanda, Joe, Penny, Zachary and Aaron; Katie and Sarah; Chris, Shannon, Alexandra, Charley and Samantha; and Maxwell; 13.5 great-grandchildren, and Arlene’s family who loved Don as much as he loved them.
As per Don’s wishes, there will not be a formal celebration of life, instead he requested a family gathering with music, his favourite way to spend his days.
The gathering will have to wait until Covid-19 has loosened its grip as Don’s family numbers far more than 50.
We know that until that time he is right beside us, listening to us tell the stories of what a wonderful man he was.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Mustard Seed Edmonton. https://theseed.ca/donate/
Our deepest condolences to Arlene and Don’s family. He will be greatly missed every Tuesday at LB’s
Bob and Amalia Van Treese
So sorry to hear of the passing of your Father. Your parents were some of the most gracious people I’ve ever met. They are deeply missed. Our deepest Condolences.
My condolences to the Stanners Family, knowing Don and Grandma Penny since I was 12 and I cannot express the sadness I feel for the family during this difficult time. The Don I remember was a firm but funloving guy and the stories he told really have stayed with me, he will be missed, hugs from Mike and I
Karalee, Trent and families, Sending hugs and prayers your way. We were very sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. We hope the good memories you have of him will comfort you in the days ahead.
Our Deepest Sympathy goes out to Don’s family, and Arlene in this time of sorrow. Don was an amazing, and wonderful man, and will be truly missed by our whole family, and all who knew him at LB’s, especially his dance partner (my sister) Arlene.
Don… you will be sorely missed, my friend… my next song is for you
To: Kelly, Trent, Tammy, Karalee and to Arlene:
I was so sad to read about Don’s Death. I have known Don for over 50 years. He and my husband Don Crockett were friends for years and years, and he was part of our wedding party.
Although we had drifted apart, it seems there was never a time when we all were not friends.
The picture you have used is exactly how I remember him; although I had not seen him since 2017. My heart goes out to all of you. I will remember his laugh and ready smile, and the good times we had together.
Please accept my deepens sympathy.
Lynn Crockett