September 18, 1930 – July 20, 2022
Stanley George Gole of Didsbury passed away at the age of 91 on July 20, 2022 in the Bethany Lodge. He was born at home to Allen and Anna Maine (Dougan) in Didsbury on September 18, 1930 and he lived and worked in Didsbury his whole life. He left school after grade 11 to work with his father, Allen, in a family owned feedmill business. In 1951 he married Eunice Harrison of Crossfield and they had 3 sons, Jim (BC), John (Ontario) and Bill (Red Deer).
He and his father along with his 2 brothers, Jim and Herb, rebuilt the mill after a fire in 1951 and continued to build up the business for many years, supporting the local farming community and supplying products to customers in central and southern Alberta. After the business shut down, he continued with a trucking business, hauling salt brine and molasses throughout Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and BC. After he retired from that, he worked in the produce department at the Walmart in Olds, for as long as he was able. He was an active member of the local Kinsmen Club and the Elks Lodge for many years.
Stan was dedicated to the family business and spent many long hours with his brothers, maintaining, repairing and fabricating equipment, along with running the feedmill. His sons and all his nephews and nieces learned many life skills from him as they spent time working at the mill after school and during the summer holidays. He also spent a lot of time on the road with his travelling companion dog, Butch, hauling grain and feed to and from customers all over central and southern Alberta. Both were well known on the road and at many truck stops. He was skilled at building all kinds of nick-nacks to support Eunice’s numerous craft projects. He also had a passion for his pets and enjoyed feeding and observing the birds (especially the crows) and squirrels in his back yard. He was an avid reader and he and Eunice enjoyed time spent visiting and travelling with their many friends. They had many fond vacations travelling to many destinations in Canada and the US, including Alaska, Hawaii, Fiji, Australia, and New Zealand.
Stan is survived by his loving wife, Eunice of 70 years, 3 sons: Jim (Ruby), John (Jeffrey), and Bill; 9 grandchildren: Amy (Chris) Cronmiller, Nathan (Melissa) Gole, Thea (Marc) Windle, Faith (Bryce) Bates, Megan (Deago) Guzman, Mark (Angie) Gole, Scott Gole, Tessa (Alix) Gole, Myles Gole; 13 great grandchildren: Amorey, Esme, and James Chronmiller, Lincoln and Kingston Gole, Teala and Lanny Windle, Nicolas, Myla and Gwendolyn Guzman, Jilian and Bryson Gole, Andrew Gole; brothers Jim (Susan) and Herb (Donna) Gole. Stan was predeceased by his parents Allen and Anne Gole, and sisters Grace, Ruth and Barbara.
His family would like to express their appreciation and gratitude to the staff and doctors at the Bethany Care Centre, and the Olds and Didsbury hospitals for the care and support he received over the past few years. They would also like to especially thank Stan’s many friends and family members for all the help and support they provided these last years of his life.
At Stanley’s request there will be no funeral or celebration of life. Memorial donations may be made directly to the Children’s Hospital and Stars Air Ambulance. Condolences may be made or viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com
