Obituary of Gerald Francis (Bud) STANSBERRY

Gerald (Bud) Stansberry of Calgary, AB, passed away on Friday, March 26, 2021 at the age of 88 years, just five days short of his 89 birthday. Bud is the much loved father of Janet Stansberry Drake (Todd Drake) and William Douglas Stansberry (Eve Fisher) of Colorado.  His loss is also mourned by his former wife and good friend, The Rev. Carmen Stansberry of Victoria, plus many nephews, nieces, and friends.  He was predeceased by his parents, William and Vivian Stansberry, and four siblings. Bud was a native of Wetaskiwin, AB, and a graduate of the University of Alberta, having obtained a BSc.  (1955) and a MSc.  (1957). He began work on his MBA and Juris Doctorate at the University of Denver, interrupted by a company transfer. Bud had an interesting and successful career in the oil business which took him and his family from Edmonton to Calgary, Tulsa, Casper, Denver, Pakistan, and Chicago. He held a variety of exploration and management positions with Amoco and Amoco International over 33 years, including acting as Exploration Superintendent for Africa and the Middle East, and Exploration Manager for Pakistan. In 1979, he went with Hamilton Bros. Oil Co. of Denver where he was Senior Vice-President of Exploration and President of the firm’s Calgary-based affiliate, Hamilton Bros. Canadian Gas Co. Ltd. He was responsible for the company’s North American onshore and offshore exploration activities.  Bud’s career was cut short in 1988 when he was stricken with bacterial endocarditis and a stroke. His life was forever changed, but he lived each day with the positive, earnest, and jovial attitude for which he was known and admired. Bud loved the game of golf which he began as a teenager in Wetaskiwin. He continued to play until a couple of years ago, with many special friends at the Glencoe Golf Club, the Calgary Country Club, or at other golf clubs while in the USA. He had many great golf holidays when he was well. Bud was a member of the Board of Directors of The Ranchmen’s Club, Calgary, and was made an honorary lifetime member of that club. He was a faithful Anglican, having been warden and served in various positions of leadership at Christ Church, Calgary, and at several other parishes in Canada and the United States. Although his health was compromised for the past 33 years, he was very present and pleasant to all with whom he came in contact. The family thanks all those who offered prayers and acts of kindness to Bud as he journeyed through his various physical challenges. Special thanks to the very caring staff at Staywell Manor. Flowers are gratefully declined, but, if friends so desire memorial tributes may be made directly to First Tee at https://firsttee.org/donate/, or the Anglican Parish of Christ Church 3602 8th Street SW, Calgary, AB, T2T 3A7, 403-243-4680, https://www.christchurchcalgary.org/, or to the charity of the donor’s choice. A Memorial Service will be held at a date to be announced when circumstances permit. Interment will take place at a later date at St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral, Denver, CO. in All Souls’ Walk. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Gerald’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. In living memory of Gerald Stansberry, a tree will be planted.