Stanley Alexander Blabey was born in Hanley, SK., eldest son of Luke and Martha Ann Blabey. He spent his last years at ‘the farm’ in Rosedale and passed peacefully to his rest December 26, 2006 in Mount Saint Joseph Hospital in Vancouver.
Stan is survived by his wife, Alva (Williams/Devnich); children: Maureen (Burt) Schaber; Joy (Bryan) Bowie; Beth (Al) Reimche; Darla Devnich; Della (Jay) Paradis; Denise (Scott) Graham and Desmond (Carolyn) Devnich; eight grandchilren; six great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. Also survived by sisters, Alma, Myrtle and Ethel.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Merle (Annis); daughter, Ruth Sutton and five of his eight brothers and sisters.
Stan’s life has been docu–mented in his autobiography, I Remember, and in two books of poetry.
He grew up on the family farm in Manitoba, then joined the army and went ashore on
D-Day at Normandy. After the war he worked as a milk tester for the Dairy Herd Improvement Association in Chilliwack.
In 1958 Stan returned to school at the age of 44, completing grade nine through to his BA by the time he was 50.
He spent the balance of his working years as accountant/treasurer and teacher at Kingsway College in Oshawa, Ontario.
Though Stan was born “a hundred miles from the nearest tree” he spent his last years in the beautiful Fraser Valley surrounded by his own massive maples and spruces.
The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the staff of Valley Haven Rest Home, George Derby Centre and especially the staff of the geriatric unit at Mount Saint Joseph Hospital for their skilful and compassionate care in Stan’s last days.
The Funeral Service will be held at the Seventh-day Adventist Church on Tuesday, January 2, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. Interment in the Chilliwack Cemeteries.
Pastor John Gilbert officiating.