In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar

CASTER, Stanley Alexander - My poor baby, STAN CASTER, kicked the bucket on April 16, 2022, in his 91st year. He made it through all of the ups and downs, ins and outs with a wild sense of humor. Everything had a funny side to it. Shouting, swearing, sharing, and giving. He loved to give, and give he did to many. A real philanthropist not only with money but with his time, his knowledge, and his intelligence.

Stan was born in Toronto on July 8th, 1931 to Jennie (Scottish) and Frank (Pennsylvania Deitsch) Caster, one of nine children. He was pre-deceased by siblings Cass (Harold) Isabella, Frances, Tom, Don, and the twins Betty and Bob. He is survived by his sister Kathleen, nieces Pamela, Sandra and Susan, nephews Bob, Todd, Joe and Jeff, cousins Ron, Elizabeth, John and Lois, and wife Valerie.

At age 15 Stan got a job as an apprentice cook at the Royal York hotel in Toronto. After 2 years he went West to cook at Banff Springs, later to Chateau Lake Louise, eventually returning to Toronto to cook at various hotels and restaurants. He left the restaurant business for a stint in the Royal Canadian Navy. After his Navy service, he got a job at the Massey Ferguson plant in Toronto where he learned the electrical trade, and secured his Master Electrician certification after 4 years. He went on to open his own electrical contracting business, Parkdale Electric. Soon he married and relocated to the Niagara region to start a new business. He bought 10 acres of land in Wainfleet, and put up a mobile home.

Shortly thereafter he got divorced. And soon he met Val. In the 10 years that followed they would become friends, business partners, and eventually, husband and wife. What man would marry a 44 year old woman with 3 teenagers (Tony, Jackie, and Samantha)? Stan couldn't wait to put them on the right road with advice and love (which he wasn't always good at showing), teaching them skills and paying for their educations. Stan and Val had so much fun all the time. Always laughing, always loving, always there for each other. They had complete trust in one another with money, promises, and just getting things done.
The business was a challenge, but it was meant to be. He was the genius that perfected the products so that they were the best on the market. Val was the nit picking paper work specialist. In November 1979 a major fire broke out and burned his business to the ground. His wonderful family (the whole crew) came down to Wainfleet and erected a new building (during a blizzard) which still stands to this day in the center of the plant. Stan was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1990, but was successfully operated on and made a full recovery.

It was all so satisfying for both of them, with plenty to talk about each evening while he cooked a gourmet meal. They were always going out partying, sailing, travelling all over (the Caribbean, Alaska, Morocco, etc.) with his local friends. They also spent time enjoying their home in Florida. He watched his young family grow, achieve their dreams and have families of their own. Now a grandpa, he loved them all - 7 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, with one more on the way. His early life with all of his brothers and sisters was good training for his later days: he always said exactly what he wanted, when he wanted.
He will be missed by many people. His friends, his family, and his employees.

Rest easy Stan. (The St. Catharines Standard 08 Jul 2022)

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