Obituary of Stanley George Squires

September 28, 1924 – Montreal, Quebec

March 26, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Stanley "Stan" George Squires, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at the age of 99 years.

Stanley was born in Montreal, QC, on September 28, 1924. He moved to Calgary, AB, in 1980.

Stanley enlisted in the Army Reserves in 1939, at the age of fifteen. After military training, he was sent to England and then to several other countries, where, among other functions, he drove trucks hauling ammunition and troops. Stanley later traveled to Italy, France, and eventually to the Netherlands to assist in the Dutch liberation.

He married the love of his life, Ada, in 1947. They set about building their family, which eventually grew to include five daughters and various furry friends.

Upon returning from the war, Stan entered an apprenticeship as a typesetter and enjoyed a rewarding career in the printing trade for many years in Montreal, QC, culminating with his retirement in 1991, from Calgary-based Telus Corp.

Stanley is remembered by his children as a loving and industrious Dad, providing increasingly larger swimming pools in the backyard as his children grew, building and grooming backyard ice rinks in freezing temperatures, and enthusiastically embarking on Saturday picnics in the Laurentians as soon as the snow melted (blackflies be damned!). All his girls were taught essential lessons in swimming, skating, and riding their two-wheelers from an early age.

Stanley’s most memorable vacation took place seven decades after WWII. Stanley returned to Europe, and particularly the Netherlands, for the first time since 1945, with his daughter Lana and her husband Derrick. He was moved by revisiting memorial sites and the friendship and generosity that he received as a Canadian war veteran.

Stanley is survived by his four daughters, Gail Crawford (Karl Janvier), Mary-Ann Raymond, Carol Matsangos (André Savoie), Lana Sones (Derrick Sones); nine grandchildren, Stephanie, Justin, Lynn-D, Amanda, Cameron, Kristopher, Cody, Jeremy, Danielle; and nine great-grandchildren, Nolan, Zaiden, Zaya, Isaiah, Madden, Oliver, Layla, Alexander, and Isaac. Stanley is also survived by his brother Ronald Squires (Doreen), and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Stanley was predeceased by his loving wife of 63 years, Ada Squires, daughter Joyce Squires, his older brother Leslie, and younger sister Phyllis.

Stanley’s last year included care from several different sources. His family would like to acknowledge with thanks the following teams that treated Dad with great care and dignity; Whitehorn Village, Dr. Perry, and the Hematology Clinic Peter Lougheed Centre, Peter Lougheed ER, Internal Medicine, RT, and the wonderful nurses in Unit 53.

Many, many thanks also to the folks at Strathmore Legion #10, who over the years provided friendship, hospitality, and service to their beloved veteran Stan and his wife Ada.

Finally, to Alfred Balm and the Balm Family Foundation. Your kind gesture and acknowledgment of Stanley’s service was always unexpected but, very much appreciated.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Eastside, 5388 Memorial Drive NE, Calgary, AB ) on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Mountain View Cemetery. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mr. Squires’ service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Strathmore’s Royal Canadian Legion (230 2 Ave, Strathmore, AB) Poppy Fund, in support of our surviving veterans and their families, a cause that was very dear to Stanley’s heart. Website: https://www.legion.ca/donations.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Stanley’s family here.

In living memory of Stanley Squires, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Eastside, 5388 Memorial Drive NE, Calgary, AB T2A 3V9, Telephone: 403-248-8585.

Click to Sign the Video Guest Book and Watch Stanley Squires' Funeral Service