Obituary of Stafford Earl Wagstaff

September 29, 1932 – August 28, 2023

Stafford Wagstaff passed away peacefully on Monday, August 28, 2023, at Bow View Manor with his loving family by his side. Stafford was predeceased by Stella, his beloved wife of 58 years.

Stafford is survived by his son Kim Wagstaff (Melanie), daughter Sandra Gardener (Malcolm), grandchildren Nick, Megan (Ian), Kelly (Ryley), Josh, Taylor (Zach), and Lisanne; great-grandchildren Leah, Frankie, Lucy, Blaire, Karver, Abigail, Ella, and Jesse; and his sister Irma Wilson (Doug).

Stafford was born in North Battleford, SK, and lived on a farm near Cloan, SK, during the Depression. The family sold the farm and moved to Wilkie, SK, for a short time before settling in Carruthers, SK, where Stafford’s father Ernest ran the Pool elevator. Stafford, his mother Grace, older brother Glenn, and younger sister Irma were active in many school, community, and church activities. This is where Stafford met the love of his life Stella Marling. They married in 1954 and raised wonderful children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Stafford moved to Edmonton in 1952 and started his career in aircraft maintenance, with Stella soon joining him. He worked with several companies, always taking on greater responsibilities with wisdom and dedication, eventually finishing his career with Field Aviation in Calgary. Stafford and Stella developed friendships around the world through work.

The family enjoyed many camping and fishing adventures and participated in curling. Stafford took great pride in his cabin near Bowden and the Pine Lake recreational trailer. After retiring, Stafford took up woodturning with great success, setting up a beautiful workshop and making many fine pieces. When Stella developed Parkinson’s, Stafford demonstrated exceptional love in caring for her for many years.

In 2018, Stafford’s mobility began to decline due to Parkinson’s. He moved to The Edgemont-supported living residence. Due to pandemic visitation restrictions in 2020, Stafford moved to Kim and Melanie’s home. This was a blessing for all. In 2023, Stafford moved to Bow View Manor into a room with a wonderful view of the Bow River and the busy pathway; part of the Trans Canada Trail which Stafford and Stella supported. As a bonus, the main CP rail line was across the river.

A Celebration of Stafford’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway’s Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery (4th Street and 31st Avenue NW). Following the Graveside Service, relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family in the Reception Centre at the Funeral Home.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to the Parkinson's Association of Alberta (www.parkinsonassociation.ca).

In living memory of Stafford Wagstaff, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.