Obituary of Leonard Robert Stone

May 7, 1936 – Winnipeg, Manitoba

July 19, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Leonard (Len) Stone passed away on Friday, July 19, 2024, surrounded by the love of his family, after a year of declining health.

Len was born in Winnipeg, MB, to Clarence and Ethel Stone, their only child, and was lovingly indulged by them. He was fortunate to have a large extended family and lots of time “at the farm” with them.

He excelled at most sports, playing hockey, baseball, and water skied in his youth. He added racquet sports, snow skiing, and golf. Len had a passion for golf, holding memberships at different clubs, and traveling to spend more time on the course. He also loved to play pool and belonged to many leagues.

Working at a gas station in his youth, fuelled his natural inclination to figure out how things worked and how to fix them. Len met his wife Dianne (nee Jephson) at Canada Packers, and their fun filled engagement and subsequent marriage was quick to follow on June 27, 1957. They married on that specific date to honor Dianne’s parents, Ruby and Howard Jephson. Len and Dianne were married for 52 years and enjoyed being parents to Glen and Sherri-Lynn. Len took a keen interest in his children’s lives, activities, and friends through adulthood. If you knew Glen or Sherri, chances are you also knew Len.

Len spent many years travelling for his work as a flooring salesman, and later became an agent for all types of flooring. When he retired, he drove a school bus, and his Christmas tree was always filled with gifts for “Driver Len”. Len and Dianne loved to travel and particularly enjoyed the Caribbean and Mexico. They shared humour, a love for music, and dance. They could take over a dance floor with their moves.

Family was their glue. They were both thrilled to welcome their grandsons, Jephson and Conrad. When Jephson arrived in 1994, they were quick to buy a place at Carefree Resort, so he could grow up “at the lake”. Jephson and Conrad both enjoyed many years at the lake. Both Len and Dianne loved their summers at Carefree Resort. Len joined the Innisfail golf course and enjoyed many friendships there.

After Dianne passed, Len took up some solo travels to Maui, Cuba, Phoenix, Mexico and the Dominican. He always had great adventures, telling us about meeting many interesting people and often helping the locals fix something. He was a member of the Legion, Wiseman, and the Eagles Club. He loved a good game of cards and playing chess. Len was genuinely interested in others. His generous willingness to always offer help was notable.

Len was known for being very handy, if he couldn’t fix it, it was not fixable! He was of two schools of thought, “good enough for whom it’s for”, or “do it right or don’t bother at all”. Saying “no”, or “can’t” was not often heard from Len. His children, and grandchildren, really enjoyed this trait! Len was a hands-on Dad, involved in coaching and activities with his kids. With his grandsons, he had more time and was even more involved. The boys shared a very special relationship with “Grampa”, which included lake time, travel, activities, and sports. The boys knew, as did his own kids, that he was always there for them. He was a very important person for Jephson and Conrad. Grampa very much appreciated his grandsons. Making things easier for them in any way he could was always important to him, and in turn he received the same from them.

It took a village to keep Dad home as long as we could. Through it all, his love, humour, persistence, and resilience were admirable. We are very grateful to our friends, neighbours, and home care. It was our honour to be able to care for him at home. When we were no longer able to, he spent the last three months in care at Chinook Intercare. The care he received was beyond our expectations. Len’s family is thankful for the care both he, and his family, received from home care, EMS, South Health Campus ER, Rockyview General Hospital ER “work family”, and the many units he spent time on over the past year.

Len was a father, father-in-law, grampa, uncle, cousin, nephew, and friend. He did it all so well. He has left us so much to miss. Len was a lot of fun! As per his request, no funeral service will be held. His family will continue to celebrate his life with our many memories. Thankfully, we have so many fabulous ones.

Leonard will surely be missed by his son Glen Stone (Yolanda), daughter Sherri-Lynn Stirling (Neil Krebs), and grandsons, Jephson Stirling and Conrad Stirling.

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

In living memory of Leonard (Len) Stone, 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.