On November 19th after a long battle with MS, Stanley passed away peacefully. Stanley lived with MS for the greater part of his life. He battled the disease with the most amazing grace, bravery, and strength. He lived everyday with positivity and determination not to let it stop him from doing the things he loved.
Stanley was born in Inverness on March 11th, 1960, he grew up in Glencoe and was known to be a mischievous rascal and always up for an adventure or getting into trouble. Stanley, a skilled athlete, who earned a spot on nearly every sports team. He graduated from Port Hood Consolidated School and soon after received a carpentry diploma from NSCC.
Stanley had a large and loving family and was a proud and dedicated father to his two daughters. Stanley would do anything for his girls, the love he showed them was unconditional, constant and knew no bounds or limits.
Stanley made lifelong friends every where he went and anyone who knew him knew he was an extremely kind, loving, fun and gentle person, who if given the chance would trick you into doing something silly or embarrassing.
Stanley was an uncompromising Bruins fan who found joy in taking money from people who bet against him—particularly leaf’s fans.
Stanley’s story is unorthodox, in both his physical fight with MS and his tenacious resistance to letting it define him. The independence and unconventionality he cultivated and sustained for so many years was unparalleled and would not have been possible without the unconditional support he received from his friends and family over the years.
Stanley was predeceased by his parents, Francis and Catherine MacDonnell; brother, Kevin Blaze MacDonnell and niece, Alisha O'Brien.
Stanley is survived by his brothers, Frankie, Gary (Celeste), Wesley (Mary Lou) and Scott (Debbie); his sister, Laurie Lynn; his daughters, Elli and Abby and grandsons, Tyler and Maxime. Along with his nieces and nephews, Melishia, Cathy (Joe), Kelly (Jamie), John Joe (Molly), Lindsay, Nicole (Chopper), Stacey (Owen), Natasha, Hayley, Emily, and Colin. He will be forever missed by long time family friends, Sandra, Melissa and Bernie.
Family would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Ritter and Dr. Lok and the rest of the staff at the Inverary Manor, Inverness for the exceptional care they provided to Stanley over the years but particularly these last few months during which he was treated with the upmost tenderness, thoughtfulness, and respect. Staff truly brightened his life and the insights, knowledge, and emotional support showed to our family will always be remembered.
In his memory donations can be made to the MS Society of Nova Scotia or to the Inverness Beach Accessibility Program (for accessible beach donations please email Rose Mary Macdonald, [email protected])
At a later date, friends and family will be invited to share happy memories and celebrate Stan’s life in the way he would want to be remembered as a fun loving and caring man who lived life to the fullest.
Online condolences may be made to: www.invernessfuneralhome.com
