Sydney William
(Syd) Stubbington
September 7, 1926 – February 1, 2011
Pre-deceased by daughter Vicki Jeanne (1955) and siblings Donald, Leigh, Bert, Jim, Ruth, Madge, Lorraine, and Georgie.
Syd was born in Wawota, Saskatchewan, in the tough economic times of that era and worked from a young age on local farms. As a young man in 1946 he travelled to Ladysmith to join his brother Bert and went to work in the logging industry at Nanaimo Lakes.
He was in the Saskatchewan Regiment during WWII, and was active in the reserve. Syd loved the ocean and particularly the Ladysmith area waterfront, where he enjoyed many boat projects through his life.
He proposed marriage to Elizabeth May (May) Peerless on Feb 14th 1952 and fathered 4 children. Syd worked hard to support his family at Geerings Men’s Wear, in the Chemainus sawmill and for the Pacific Lumber Inspection Bureau until 1984.
He was a keen hunter, loved the outdoors, and he instilled that love in his children and grandchildren. Hand-lining cod with the Orford Chief was a passion for several years.
Syd was always very engaged with his family, his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He kept many an old car or motorcycle running, and schemed up truly amazing projects over the years. Not knowing how to do something seldom stood in his way… he would just figure out how. His greatest pleasure was working with his son Jeff, first in the welding shop in Saltair, and in Saltair Marine business. He was a regular about the boat yard and government dock until the end.
Syd leaves behind his wife of 59 years, May; his brother Jack (Winnie); sister Marie Baker; son Jeff (Susan); daughters Lois, and Kerry (Tom) Marcus; grandchildren Wesley, Krystal, and Starla (Clint) Parkin and Morgan Hobbs, as well as 7 great grandchildren.
Huge and heartfelt thanks to Dr Manhas and the nursing staff of the Chemainus Health Care Centre for their tender care of Syd in his final hours. He died peacefully with his family at his side.
There will be no service, as was his request; however there will be an opportunity to celebrate Syd’s life at the Eagles Hall in Ladysmith on March 5 from 2 to 4 pm, where we will share our stories and memories. No flowers please, but consider a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation on Syd’s behalf.