Stanley James McArthur

Stanley James McArthur passed away in Calgary on Tuesday, November 6, 2018 with Betty, his beloved wife, and Wally Weist, his best friend & brother-in-law, by his side.  He was 84 years old.  Besides Betty, his beloved wife of 58 years, Stan will be dearly missed by his daughter, Donna McArthur, son-in-law, John Swallow and grandsons Matthew & Jake Swallow of Invermere BC; his son, Dwayne McArthur,  partner, Christean Konashuk  & granddaughter,  Cati McArthur of Spruceview, AB; his sisters Melba Peacock, Marion Shofner & Jean Yanishewski (Dan); sisters-in-law Norma Ferguson, Janet Winsnes (Dale), Peggy Charlton (Ken) and his brother-in-law, Wally Weist; as well as numerous nieces, nephews & their families. Stan has gone to join his loving parents, Arthur & Margery; his brother, Donnie; sister, Jessie Jackson. His brothers-in-law, Melvyn Jackson, Arnold Peacock & John Shofner; as well as Betty's parents, Jim & Anne Graham, sister-in-law, Wynn Weist; and brothers-in-law, Rod Graham, Alex Graham, Ken Ferguson; and nephew-in-law Marc Richard. Stan was born in Spirit River, AB on May 24, 1934, and was raised on the family farm at White Mountain with his parents and five siblings Marion, Melba, Donnie, Jessie & Jean.  He got his first job off the farm in 1959 when he went to Evansburg to work as a fieldman in the Department of Agriculture for the provincial government.  In 1960 Stan and Betty got married and she joined him in Evansburg.  In 1968 he was invited by the Seed Division of United Grain Growers Ltd. to move to Grande Prairie to buy fescue & other grass seeds from farmers throughout the Peace River country including a portion in BC.   Stan & Betty were thrilled to be moving back home where they were closer to family. They loved Grande Prairie, were actively involved in the church, schools & community and remained there to raise their children, Donna and Dwayne.  As well, they purchased a half section of land in Blueberry Mountain which Stan farmed on weekends as well as continuing with UGG. In 1986 Stan was transferred to the UGG head office in Calgary as head of public relations for Alberta and part of BC & SK.  The move coincided with them becoming 'empty nesters' so the two of them chose to make Airdrie their home, where Stan resided until he passed. Stan retired at the age of 58 and immediately learned how to cook Chinese food.  He spent many hours chopping and wokking for his family! He also used that time to do more of the fine woodwork he loved and was often found out in his shop when he wasn't having a snooze. Stan & Betty spent the past 14 winters enjoying the warmth of Arizona as snowbirds at Westwind RV & Golf Resort in Yuma. This experience was one of Stan's highlights where he made friendships that deeply enriched his life.  He golfed and danced to his heart's content and may be remembered as the best joke teller in the park. Stanley had a deep, abiding love for his family and this love will live on in our hearts. Stan had a contagious love of life, people and animals.  He thrived in the field or garden and was happiest when he was with his grandchildren or dancing.  A celebration of Stan's life will be held at Airdrie United Church on Monday, November 12, 2018 @ 2:00 p.m. with a party to follow at Cowboys Taphouse. The Honourary Pallbearers are Stan's grandchildren Cati, Matt & Jake. An inurnment will take place in the Blueberry Mountain cemetery at a later date. Donations can be made in memory of Stan to the Airdrie & District Community Foundation, #944,  203-304 Main Street, Airdrie, AB  T4B 0H5.   The donations will go toward the initiative to help Airdrie become Health-Smart city. https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/airdrie-and-district-community-foundation/