Mr. Stanley King, Sr., (aka the “Fox”), aged 96 yrs, of Gull Bay, Ontario, passed away suddenly at TBRHSC on Friday January 4, 2019.
Stanley was born in Fort Hope (Eabametoong), Ont., and later moved to Jackfish Island on Lake Nipigon and then onto Gull Bay with his family. He attended St. Joseph’s Boarding School in the 1930’s before returning back to Gull Bay. He enlisted with the Canadian Army during WWII, training/serving in Fort William, Kingston, Shilo, Suffield, St. John’s, in Canada, then deploying overseas to serve in England and Europe for the duration of the War. He returned to Canada and was hospitalized at Deer Lodge Hospital for his war injuries after the war before returning back home. When he returned home, it was observed by some elders that he had attained strong leadership qualities and his sharp dress and deportment was markedly attuned to his Army days. He was a very proud to be a WWII Veteran. In the late 1940’s and 50’s, he was employed in logging & commercial fishing in the winter time and commercial fishing, freight-hauling and guiding in summers in and around Gull Bay and Lake Nipigon.
In 1956, he married his wife Madeleine and together they began their family of nine boys. In the 1960’s he worked at the CF Radar Base in Armstrong as a Commissionaire and civilian aide until he the Base closed in 1970’s. Thereafter, he operated his own business in Gull Bay and served as Band Councilor for the Band for several terms. He was a dedicated and devote Catholic and trained for Deaconate in the 1970’s and 80’s. Stanley loved his family very much and worked very hard to support them. When grandchildren, great-grand and great-great-grandchildren came along, they were all very endeared by him and Madeleine. He cherished all of his sons and their families. He taught all of his children right from wrong; to be upright and conscientious; and to be community-minded. He instilled a strong work ethic into them all, especially with regard to going to and completing school. He also instilled into them, the importance of their Ojibway language to use and retain it. It is still the language spoken in their home to this day. Stanley had a keen sense of humour and enjoyed a good laugh. He was most happy when all of the boys were home in Gull Bay with him and wife Madeleine, eg. Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, at his and Madeleine’s birthdays. He loved to feast on traditional foods especially wild meat and fish.
He was predeceased by his parents Michel and Marguerite King, and step-mother Susan King; brothers Jack (Hilda), Sam (Jeanette), Peter (Veronica) and Allen (Angelique). His sisters-in-law: Marie (Howard), Lena (Leonard), and Theresa (Nicholas); and, daughter-in-law Elsie King. He will be greatly missed by wife Madeleine, sons Ronald (Rolande), Alec (Yvonne), Peter (Theresa), Roger, Stan Jr., Christopher (Dawn), Kenny, Roland (Barb), Michael (Carolyn). He is also survived by sister in-law Edna Wigwas and brother in-law & godson Peter Wigwas Sr, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and his many grand, great and great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services for the late Stanley King will be held on Friday, January 11, 2019 when family and friends will gather in St. Anthony’s R.C. Church, 123 Hilldale Road, for the Funeral Mass beginning at 2 p.m. celebrated by Rev. Luigi Filippini. The interment in a Military Plot in St. Andrew’s Cemetery will follow. Visitation for friends will be held on Thursday, from 6-7 p.m. with the Vigil Service and Legion Tribute Service beginning at 7 p.m. in the Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel, 21 N. Court Street. On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.
