Stan is survived by his wife of 59 years, Joy; son, Chris (Theresa) and daughters, Michele (Bob) and Shauna (Rob); grandchildren, Kyle (Julie), Reid (Kelsey), Kirk, Kirstie (Carson), Cody, Joseph, Alexandrea and Gabby; great grandchildren, Emilie, Ella, Carter and Connor. He also will be lovingly remembered by his large extended family and his canine pal, Asha. Stan was predeceased by his infant daughter Kimberley Joy, his father, Baden, mother, Ada, sister, Win and brother, Gordon.
Stan lived his entire life on the family farm in Dewdney, which is now being farmed by the fourth generation. The Davies family has lived in the Dewdney/Hatzic Prairie area since 1894 when they homesteaded at Davis Lake. Davis Lake was named after the Davies family but due to a spelling error, it was named Davis Lake instead. That property was later traded with a man named Joe Schmidt. The trade was for the present Sylvester Road property.
Stan was the 3rd generation Davies farming the property, followed by his son Chris, who became the 4th generation to farm the property. 1998, Chris took over the farm and Stan became a tractor driver, calf-feeder, a general helper and advisor- a go-fer in other words. Stan and Joy, along with their three children, worked the farm until Stan's retirement in 1998.
Stan's early childhood was during difficult times and he spent time with his grandmother and aunt, as his mother was not well. He had to entertain himself and during this time, he explored the mountainside and made most of his own toys. His earliest childhood friend was Ragnar Mann. In his teens, he also made friends with neighbor, Harry Bryant. These two friendships were life-long and in earlier times, the three of them spent time together and particularly enjoyed hunting and fishing in the interior. As a young man, Stan supplemented his income working at various other jobs including Stave Lake Cedar, Department of Highways, driving milk trucks and working for other farmers. In 1957, Stan met Joy Clark and they were married in February of 1959. As newlyweds, Stan and Joy lived in a tiny 3 room cabin across the road from the farm. In the mid 1960's, they moved to their present home. in 1961, Michele and her twin Kimberley were born. Sadly, Kimberley was stillborn. Chris arrived in February of 1964 followed by Shauna in April of 1971. Stan was an "at home" Dad and was always there for school activities, driving to and from friends places, sick days at home, doctors visits etc.
Stan and Joy did a fair amount of traveling, including trips to the United Kingdom, Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Often with good friends Harry and Sue Bryant. Fun times were also spent in Mexico with Doug and Nessie Cameron, Cuba with family members and on several cruises. During one of these, they met Pam, Steve and Kathy at the ships dining table and another life-long friendship began. And we mustn't forget road trips with sisters in law, Sharon and Renie. Poor Stan...at the mercy of the three sisters.
For the past 10 years, Stan and Joy spent 2 to 3 months in Yuma, Arizona where they formed many more friendships. Stan's company and stories were enjoyed by all and he will be missed. For many years, Stan happily planned the family's annual 24th of May long weekend. There he spent many hours catching and cleaning fish, untangling fishing lines and loaning tools and supplies for the gang. It was common to hear " Stan (or Dad or Grandpa) do you have a..." and usually he did!
Stan was a down to earth man with a kind heart- always ready to share his knowledge of farming, fishing, hunting or whatever else was asked of him. Stan and Joy were only home from Yuma for 2 weeks when his medical condition worsened and he was admitted to hospital. His last 2 days passed quickly but his family had the opportunity to visit with him and share their final thoughts with him.
On April 6, Stan quietly slipped away...
A memorial service will be held beginning at 12:30 PM on Sunday April 22, 2018 at the Hatzic Prairie Community Hall, 10845 Farms Rd. Mission, BC
If any so desire, memorial donations to the Mission Hospice Society would be welcome.
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