Obituary of Stanley Joseph 'Stan' Wheeler

It is with profound sadness that the family announces the peaceful passing of Stanley Joseph Wheeler, retired Warrant Officer, CD, Canadian Armed Forces, at home on Saturday, June 6, 2020, in London, following an exceptionally courageous and brave fight with cancer at the age of 60 years. Stan will be forever loved and missed by his wife Laurie (née Farr), whose steadfast love for him was no more apparent than in his last months of his life as she cared for him in their home. He will be greatly missed by his constant companion and furry buddy Charlie. Stan was the treasured brother of his proud siblings: Elaine (Russell), Sonny (Debbie), Yvonne (Mike), Nancy, Madeline (Greg), Vernon (Vickie), Ross (Alice), Debbie (Bud), and Wanda (Glen), all of Nova Scotia or Newfoundland. Admired brother-in-law of Debbie Farr, of Pembroke. Stan is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by true friends Mark and Kathy Prescott, Ron and Kathy Merk and Paul Paris. Predeceased by parents Hughie and Lorraine Wheeler; sister Jaunita; parents-in-law Cyril and Beverley Farr (née Prescott); and brother-in-law Kevin Farr. Stan enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces and honorably served his country for 20 years with the Canadian Airborne Regiment, Royal Canadian Regiment and the RCR Battle School. He successfully completed several advanced infantry certifications during his eight years in the Airborne Regiment, including Master Sniper and Pathfinder, which are long hailed as some of the most grueling and challenging courses in the Canadian Army. Stan was a qualified Mountain Operations Instructor, Jumpmaster, Parachute Instructor and Advanced Recce Patrolman. He completed a 6-month tour of duty as a UN Peacekeeper in Cyprus. Stan was a soldier’s soldier and was greatly respected by his peers and superiors. Stan was born in Newfoundland and his sense of humour was always evident. His random acts of kindness and generosity were felt by many throughout his life. Respecting Stan’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Interment of ashes and a Celebration of an Extraordinary Life will occur in Pembroke, Ontario at Malcolm Deavitt & Binhammer Funeral Home, at a later date. Those wishing to make a donation to honour Stan’s memory are asked to consider Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre or the London Regional Cancer Program.