With broken hearts, we announce that Stan passed away at the age of 66 years on May 24, 2023 after a heroic battle with cancer. The strength, positivity, courage and grace he exhibited throughout the course of this journey - and throughout his whole life - is awe inspiring.

 

Left to cherish Stan’s memory are his wife Nancy of 38 years, and children Garrett and Laura. Also mourning Stan’s passing are his mother Gladys, brothers Jeff (Terry, Brayden, Colton (Kelsey and Rory)), and Glen (Julia, Aileen and Morgan). Stan was predeceased by his father Stanley Casmer Hnatiuk.

 

Stan was a man of so many talents and interests. A charismatic, friendly and affable person that people gravitated towards whenever he walked into a room. He was a compassionate man, who put his kids, wife and family before anything else. At any party, he was a hit.  At work, he was a leader. On the rink or the golf course, he was a mentor.  To his family, he was a goofy, witty, fun loving, larger than life personality, who kept us all in stitches with his comedic improv and mimicry skills.

 

Born in Selkirk, MB, Stan enjoyed a childhood filled with love, support, and every activity and sport imaginable.  Growing up, Stan played football, golf, hockey, and baseball. He loved all outdoor activities.  In his teen years you could find him on the Red River casting for catfish, at the beach, tearing up the volleyball court, or playing guitar in his garage band.  

 

After attaining degrees in environmental studies from the University of Winnipeg, and parks planning from Lethbridge College, Stan began a long and fulfilling career in environmental management with the Government of Canada.  He also was active in the community, convening and coaching kids hockey, soccer and volleyball.  Upon retirement, Stan began his dream of “snow-birding”, spending his winters in south Florida, golfing, pickle-balling, biking and dodging alligators down his favourite hiking trails.  He also loved his overseas cycling, travel and ocean cruising adventures, and his annual Caribbean getaways with family and friends.

 

Stan lived a life of adventure and fun, all the while providing a loving, positive, and supportive foundation for his family. Stan greeted the world with optimism and positivity, choosing always to walk on “the bright side of the road”.

 

Thanks to all those who supported Stan on his last journey, including the kind and compassionate staff of Manitoba Cancercare, Princess Margaret Cancer Hospital and the WRHA Palliative Care program.

 

A celebration of Stan’s life will be held at 2 pm on Friday June 23, 2023, at Glendale Golf and Country Club in Winnipeg.

 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation or Cancercare Manitoba Foundation, and help support research to combat the “quiet pandemic” of cancer.