Stanley SEARLE

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SEARLE: Stanley Hugh Searle, 1917-2018. With the passing of Stanley Hugh Searle in his 101st year, we pause to celebrate an extraordinary person who lived his long life to its fullest. Stan was born on June 26, 1917 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He was predeceased by his parents Georgina Marion and Stanley Edwin Searle, his siblings Clayton “Chip” Searle, Minnedosa, Manitoba, Marion Wade, Brandon, Manitoba, Dorothy Sheldon, Brandon, Manitoba and Florence Barker, Regina, Saskatchewan. Stan is survived by three children from his twenty-five-year marriage to Grace Stanley: Dennis Searle (Maija) of Ladysmith, British Columbia, Ruth Misenko (Bob) of Hudson, Wisconsin and Margaret Hallatt (Doug) of Naples, Florida; six grandchildren, Toni Searle (Dawn) of Chemanus, British Columbia, Tiina Searle (Rob) of Ottawa, Ontario, Kai Rodgers (Matt) of Red Wing, Minnesota, Ian Misenko (Erika) of Pillager, Minnesota, Christopher Hallatt of San Diego, California, and Scott Hallatt of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin; and, thirteen great grandchildren. Stan’s early years were spent in Rapid City and Brandon, Manitoba where he developed a love of farming through his Uncle Fred, of whom he was extremely fond. As a young man, Stan served Canada during World War II as a flight instructor with the Royal Canadian Air Force in Saskatchewan and overseas. Stan’s inquiring and active mind propelled him into higher education. He earned three university degrees: a B.A. at Brandon College (Brandon University), a B. Div. at United College (University of Winnipeg) and an M.A. in adult education at the University of Guelph. Stan was ordained as a minister with the United Church of Canada. He was a charismatic preacher who loved singing the old hymns and helping people whatever their needs might be. Stan pastored churches in Nipigon, Ontario, Winnipeg, Manitoba and Brandon, Manitoba. He then served as the Principal of the Atlantic Christian Training Center (ACTC) in Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia. He also served as President of the Manitoba Conference of the United Church, which was a great privilege and honour for him. Stan became more than a fisher of men. During his ministry at Nipigon, he fell in love with Lake Superior, boating and fishing. One of life’s pleasures was savouring a lunch of fresh lake trout, speckled trout or pickerel along the shores of Lake Superior or the smaller lakes in the region. Following his ministry, Stan took up farming, which is not surprising given his roots in rural Manitoba. His partner and helpmate in the farming operation was Donna Lorraine Patterson. They were married under the apple tree at their Clayton, Ontario farm in 1971. With much hard work and foresight, they introduced the first Charolais beef cattle in eastern Ontario. Stan took great pleasure in farming and loved it even more when his children, Dennis and Ruth, along with their families, visited and pitched in. Even through his later years, Stan maintained a twinkle in his eyes and a natural charm that put people at ease. He was a natural story teller who could fill the room with his presence. Stan was always grateful for the support of his wonderful helpmate Donna, his family, friends and neighbours. He truly appreciated the caring professionalism of a wonderful human being, Dr. Roger Drake and the loving care of the amazing staff at Stoneridge Manor nursing home in Carleton Place, Ontario. A private family celebration of Stan's life will be held this summer.He will be remembered and missed

As published in Brandon Sun on May 26, 2018