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Obituary of Stan Kavalinas Sr.
September 24, 1928 – Vilnius, Lithuania
June 29, 2022 – Calgary, Alberta
Stan was born on September 24, 1928, in Katiniskis, Lithuania to John and Ursula Kavalinas. He and his family came to Canada when he was ten months old, settling in Beavermouth, BC, later moving to Canoe, BC. It was in Canoe that he met his love, Phyllis Mathieson. They were married in 1955 and lived in Edmonton AB, for 42 years. Stan worked for CN Rail from 1955 until he retired in 1989. During this time Phyllis and Stan raised three children Lynn, Stanley, and Clayton. They worked hard to ensure all opportunities were available to them. Stan and Phyllis moved to Calgary in 1997. They spent many happy years enjoying time with family. After Phyllis passed away in 2010, Stan continued to host many family events and appreciated the love and support he received in return. Stan moved to Lake Bonavista Seniors Residence in 2019 where he lived until the spring of 2022. Stan passed away at the AgeCare Glenmore Care Center on June 29, 2022.
Stan enjoyed telling stories and had a great sense of humour. Over the years we heard many tales of his escapades while growing up in the mountains around Beavermouth and Canoe. Stan loved the outdoors and shared this love with his family on many camping trips. He took great pride in his yard and loved growing flowers; visitors often went home with a bouquet of sweet peas. Stan’s neighbors benefited from his generosity and kindness when he regularly cleared their sidewalks. In his late 80s, Stan was nominated as a Calgary Snow Angel. Stan enjoyed classic country music, played the harmonica (he said the only way to learn how to play it was to go behind the barn and practice) and, to the delight of those who heard him, could also yodel.
Family was important to Stan and he spent countless hours cooking for them. We all remember the pancakes for breakfast and the many turkey dinners he lovingly prepared. Stan was a steady fixture in his children’s and grandchildren’s lives, attending many school events, graduations, swim meets, hockey and lacrosse games, dance, and music recitals.
Stan holds a special place in our hearts and will be missed beyond measure.
Stan is lovingly remembered by his children, Lynn, and Stan (Jocelyne), daughter-in-law Donna (Glenn); grandchildren, Brent, Tyler (Annette), Michael (Jenny), Christine (Pat), Shaun (Jen), Scott, Kaitlin (Braden), Amy (Kelly), and Scott; ten great-grandchildren, his sister Betty and sister-in-law Joyce, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Phyllis, his son Clayton; siblings, Joe, Vic, Ena, John, Annie, Lenora, and Vince.
A Celebration of Stan’s Life will be held at Southwood United Church, (10690 Elbow Drive S.W., Calgary, AB) on Saturday, August 20, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow at the Church Hall. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.
In living memory of Stan Kavalinas Sr., a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.
