Stanley H. Wardill
January 26th, 1921 – March 13th, 2017
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Stanley H. Wardill, a much loved man.
Stan was born in Departure Bay area on January 26, 1921 to “Mike” and Muriel Wardill. He grew up in a very musical family, his Dad played string bass & euphonium and his Mom the piano so it comes as no surprise that Stan played in the Nanaimo Concert Band for 73 years. He was an accomplished musician playing string bass, tuba, and trumpet. Music was a huge part of his life, he always said it opened many doors for him.
He also developed a love of the ocean at an early age, spending many hours at Departure Bay beach as a child, fishing at Five Fingers in his Loma rowboat during his teenage years…….and latterly he and Bernice spent 43 years on the M.V. “Hornblower” cruising the coastal waters of B.C. and Puget Sound, in addition to Harrison and Pitt Lake. His love of the ocean remained strong throughout his life.
Stan started his career as a barber in the late 1930’s before joining the R.C.A.F. (418 Squadron) in 1942 and serving overseas until the end of the Second World War. Upon his return from overseas he attended Victoria College, then enrolled at UBC, obtaining his Bachelor of Law degree in 1952. During his studies at UBC, he would travel back to Nanaimo on the weekends to play with Stu Storrie’s dance band at the old Pygmy Ballroom - this is where he met Bernice, his bride of 65 years.......
Stan had a long and distinguished career in the legal profession spanning 40 years, with 25 years on the bench as a Provincial Court Judge. He was well respected by all who knew him..……even the misguided.
Stan was an active community man, volunteering countless hours with various clubs and organizations. He was a Past Commodore of the Nanaimo Yacht, Past Commander of the Nanaimo Power Squadron and charter member, Past Commodore of the Shrine Yacht Club #49, member of: Blue Gavel, Tollycruisers, Nanaimo Concert Band, Oceanside Band, Nanaimo Symphony, Duncan Musical Society, Victoria Shrine Band, Ashlar Lodge, Nanaimo Chapter #43 O.E.S, Preceptory #69 Knights Templar, R.C.A.F. 418 Squadron, Branch 256 Legion, Nanaimo Gyro Club, Nanaimo Coffee Club and served as chairperson of the Nanaimo School Board. At 80 he volunteered for Security at the BC Summer Games.
He was a genuine Nanaimo historian – ask him anything about Nanaimo and he would know, he loved to talk about the old days in Nanaimo. Stan had an incredible memory right up until his last days.
Stan and Bernice enjoyed many years of boating, travelling the world, and cruising, meeting people all over the world - he would always say “you just have to start talking”.
Stan truly had an incredible 96 years, always living life to the fullest, never really giving in to old age. His last trip to Valdes on the Hornblower was Nov.27/16..…not too many in his age group can say they were still boating at 95.
He will be remembered for his generosity, his keen sense of humour, positive attitude and dedication to his family and community.
Survived by his loving wife Bernice, sons Larry (Barb), Donald, and daughter Barbara (Dwight), grandchildren Lindsay, Carley, Luke, Mandi, & Jenna, great-grandchildren Madison, Danica, Riley, Emersyn, Kagan, McKenzie and Addison, cousin John Wardill (Teresa, son Ben), sister-in-law Freddi Saults (Chuck), numerous nieces and nephews and many special friends.
The family would like to thank Dr. Clive Balfour for his care and compassion, treating Dad with utmost respect and dignity, and to all of his caregivers who showed such kindness during this brief but difficult time.
So long Dad, wishing you calms seas and music in your ears.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.