It is with great sadness that the family announces that Stan passed away on August 20th, 2022, at the Southwood Hospice, with his wife of 50 years Sylvia, and his daughter Erin by his side.
Stan was born on February 19th, 1940, in Fort Macleod, Alberta and was the eldest child of Joe and Annie Rigel. He spent his formative years on the family farm south of Fort Macleod and had two siblings, Gail and Richard. Stan met Sylvia Munchrath at his brother and sister-in-law’s wedding in 1971. His new sister-in-law was Sylvia’s sister! Stan and Sylvia were married on July 1, 1972, and they welcomed their daughter Erin in 1976. They resided in Calgary until 1977, when they moved to Nanton. After working in a few different industries, at the age of 50 Stan started his own courier business, which he continued to operate until the age of 80. He loved his job and never wanted to retire.
He enjoyed travelling to many destinations, including Hawaii, New York, San Francisco, Vancouver, Victoria, and the Okanagan. He never felt more relaxed than when he was visiting his true happy places, Las Vegas and Banff. In 2016, the family embarked on a trip of a lifetime – 4 weeks in Europe (England, France, Italy and Germany). He never thought he would have the chance to visit places like Stonehenge, Versailles and Pompeii. One of his favourite moments of that trip was visiting his father’s birthplace in Bavaria and meeting some of his long-lost cousins.
Many described Stan as a very kind, dependable and generous man, with a sparkle in his blue eyes and a huge smile on his face. He could be very strong-willed and tenacious, but those traits served him well in his battles with health issues over the last few years. Being a true extrovert, he loved to have family and friends around for large and small celebrations. In his last few weeks, he often told Sylvia and Erin how much he cherished them.
He is survived by his wife Sylvia; daughter Erin; sister Gail; sisters-in-law Edythe and Marjorie; brother-in-law and sister-in law Bryan and Susan; and nieces, nephew, and grand nephews Shawna (Brad), Paula (James, Sam & Nate), Scott and Kim. Stan was predeceased by his parents Joe and Annie Rigel; brother Richard, father-in-law and mother-in-law Sylvan and Rosina Munchrath; special uncle and aunt Otto and Lois Rigel, and cousins.
Sylvia and Erin would like to think he’s sitting in the sun, with a prime rib on the barbeque, dressed in his trademark shorts (he wore them almost the entire year, even in winter), with a beer in his hand and his special cat Soda by his side.
The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at the Southwood Hospice for the very compassionate, respectful, and gentle care they provided to Stan is his last weeks. They are all angels here on earth. They would also like to thank Anna, his palliative care nurse, who not only took care of him, but took care of Sylvia and Erin as well. Another angel on earth.
A private Burial Service will take place in Fort Macleod and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Caring for the family is Lyle Reeves Funerals of High River (Craig Snodgrass) 403.652.4242.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Stanley Henry Rigel 2022..
Death notice for the town of: High River, Province: Alberta