Stanley Vernon Calder passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at the age of 78, surrounded by his family. He was born in Fort Frances, Ontario, on February 12, 1947, to Stanley (Beaver) and Lillian (nee Lucas) Calder.
Stan is survived by his wife Vicki, with whom he shared 50 years of marriage. He is also survived by his daughter Courtney (Brian) Stone; close family friend Holly Gosselin; granddaughters Brinley and Jayda Calder, Jocelyn (Mike) and Janelle Allen; his sisters Judy (Dennis) Deschamps and Janice (Steve) Miller; and his brother Troy (Jen) Calder. Additionally, he is survived by his sister-in-law Giselle Calder; sister-in-law Karen (Marshall) Chow; and brother-in-law Dale (Debbie) Lindsell; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Stan’s greatest pride and joy were his four granddaughters: Brinley and Jayda Calder, and Jocelyn and Janelle Allen. He loved having the girls visit the farm for tractor and gator rides, spending time with the cows and donkeys, pushing them on the swings, and enjoying family wiener roasts, which were one of his favorites.
Stan was predeceased by his son Aaron Calder; his brother Bryan Calder; his parents Stanley (Beaver) and Lillian Calder; and his in-laws Melvin and Thelma Lindsell.
Stan spent his working career as a yard labourer at the mill until his retirement. In his free time, he enjoyed camping at Lake of the Woods, specifically at Morson Provincial Park in the Aspen Campground. This typically involved hanging his hammock—usually a challenging first attempt—by the water, swimming with Aaron and Courtney on large inner tubes, and biking. During the summers, Dad dedicated much of his time to helping the kids train and care for their 4-H steers and heifers, which made the weekends at the Emo Agricultural Fair busy but enjoyable. He was also a regular spectator at the Emo Speedway, where he loved watching his youngest brother, Troy, race his modified cars.
Stan thrived at home on the farm, surrounded by his animals—dogs, cats, horses, donkeys, and his cherished cows, whom he proudly called “the girls.” His passion for the farm was clear in the meticulous upkeep of his yard, where he dedicated countless hours to riding lawnmowers and using a weed-eater. He took great pride in his stunning flowers and thriving gardens, especially sharing his numerous pumpkins. The peak of his day was spent on the tractors, making the most of haying season.
Stan will be greatly missed by many and lovingly remembered as a beloved family man, neighbour and friend, who was “out-STAN-ding” in his field.
At Stanley’s request a celebration of life will be held in warmer weather without rain in the forecast!
Arrangements entrusted to Northridge Funeral Home Ltd., Emo, Ontario.
