Stanley Barnable
April 18, 1928 – July 22, 2020
It is with great sadness, we announce the passing of our father, Stan Barnable at the age of 92. Dad was an incredible husband, father, grandfather, uncle, great uncle, and great great uncle. He was the last of 11 children of the late James and Gertrude (O’keefe) Barnable. Dad was predeceased by brothers, Matt, Henry, Herb, Joe and Jack, and sisters Philomena, Sr. Dorothea, Sara, Mary and Dorothy. His parents and siblings were extraordinary people who were all a tremendous influence in the man our father became.
Dad married Frances, daughter of John and Anne (Lovett) Thorne. They met and fell in love in 1953. She was the love of his life and he was always by her side. They went on to have us, their three sons, Steve, Paul, and Roger. Dad taught us early on the importance of family, hard work, and dedication. He worked at NFLD Minerals (talc mine) in Manuels, retiring as manager in 1993. Despite his busy work life, he was actively involved in our lives and ensured we had the opportunity to play hockey and other sports. He would drive us to practices and lessons and he never complained, that wasn’t his nature. He would proudly watch us from the stands, silently cheering. He continued to be a fan cheering on his grandchildren Matthew (Sueha), Thomas, Robyn (Trevor), Olivia, Kyle, Keeley, and Meaghan.
For many years, our family spent most of our summers in Dad’s favourite place on earth, Ferryland. There we were surrounded by Barnable aunts, uncles and cousins. Every weekend all the Barnable’s , could be found in the “old house”, sitting around the kitchen table playing cards, especially when the Barlows arrived.
Dad loved sports, coaching senior and minor hockey, but was best known for coaching the senior Ferryland Flyers. In his younger years, he took boxing lessons. While living in Mount Pearl, Dad became actively involved in the tennis club and he loved beating any younger players who would dare to play him, including his sons. He loved it so much he played into his 80’s! He was also an avid painter, sketcher and sculptor. He could often be found up behind the old house whittling wood to make boats that he gave away to any of the children. Like his siblings, Dad was known for his artistic talents, in particular his “real life” paintings. Mom and Dad loved to travel and went to Europe and other places.
Dad was a man of great integrity. He always gave the best of himself to everyone and always dropped that humorous line; gave a smile and acknowledged others, showing that these were the most important things in life, even when it was the hardest thing for him to do. He listened, he shared and passed on the simple most meaningful truths of life. He was free from judgement. He enjoyed and loved people as much as they loved him. He was constant in these qualities that were passed down to him and did his best to ensure that they live on in all of us.
While we, Steven (Shari), Paul (Alexia), and Roger (Dolores) mourn the loss of our father, we are grateful that he was able to live with our mother at Tiffany Village until the end. Aunt Marg and Dad will be missed around Tiffany. He loved socializing with his friends and going down to play a game of cards and for a muffin and coffee. Mom, is eternally grateful for the life they had together, all their rich experiences and there could not have been a better man for her to share her life with.
Dad was predeceased by baby girl Suzanne. Leaving to mourn brothers in law Robert Thorne and Bernard Agriesti and sister in law Bertha Thorne, as well as nieces and nephews who he cherished dearly.
The love and smiles we shared will never end
Due to Covid 19 restrictions, funeral arrangements and a celebration of life are pending.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Stanley Barnable 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Torbay, Province: T-N