Earle RH Stainton

Earle Richard Halliday Stainton passed away peacefully at the age of 82 on September 3, 2024, in Barrie, Ontario.

Affable, gregarious, generous and kind, his laughter filling the room.  Earle was a devoted son, brother, nephew, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, in-law and friend.  When asked, he answered, always, above and beyond.

Born and raised in Toronto (North York, Leaside, Willowdale), the son of Richard ‘RH’ Halliday and Reta Stainton.  Earle was the grandson of William and Grace Stainton, who built the original family cottage near Parry Sound.  Born in July, Earle celebrated his seasons on the lake, rather than his birthdays, at least through 2019.

Earle started out in the family furniture business before a career that ultimately led to him to become a protective coatings inspector, work that took him west to Calgary.  For ten years, he drove his young family back to the cottage for Canada Day, before flying back to work, then he’d do the reverse before Labour Day, because as his grandfather used to say, “the city in the summer is no place to raise a child”.  He instilled a great love of cottaging in his children, nieces, nephews, and grandson.

Energetic, athletic, and mischievous, Earle was once caught riding EP Taylor’s horses, he once tried to put ether into his school’s ventilation system.  It’s a good thing his best friend became a solicitor.  Ironically, he had a passion for refereeing hockey both in Calgary, sometimes along side Ron McLean, and in London where they settled on their return to Ontario, before retiring to Barrie.

Earle’s true love was ‘Maresy’ – they would have celebrated their 55th anniversary this December. Devoted to her, he was a solid family man and friend.

He died as he lived, confident that everything would work out, and that he would be reunited with his parents, family, and friends.  Not to mention his boats and snowmobiles.

His last request was a beer – no surprise to anyone who knew him – so raise a glass to him if you can, and sing ‘oh lord it’s hard to be humble…’

The family would like to thank all the personal support workers who allowed Earle to stay home.  Our love to Juvy, Marita and Marion.

Earle is survived by his wife Mary; daughter Sara, son-in-law Damian, grandson Caetan; son Richard; big sister Reta Jane; in-laws, nephews, nieces, and grand nephews; and, last but certainly not least, ‘my good buddy Jimmy.’

A Celebration of his Life will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2024 from 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at Flying Monkey’s Craft Brewery (107 Dunlop St E, Barrie).  Please RSVP to earle@foxisland.ca if you hope to attend – we’ll get your glass ready.

Donations in his memory can be made to the Diabetes Association of Canada or the Barrie Food Bank.