Stanley Tuomo Saari

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Stanley Tuomo Saari, of Kamloops BC. Stanley was 88 years old, born February 4th, 1933 in Webster’s Corner, BC. Even though he lived a long and full life, he died too quickly at Royal Inland Hospital, Kamloops, BC, on October 6, 2021.

He leaves behind his bride of 66 years, Lilly Saari (Sydor) and four children (Deborah Saari [Les Fisher], Richard Saari [Wanda Bestwick Saari], Ronald Saari [Janet Saari], and Charney LaMarsh [David LaMarsh].) Stan adored his 16 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren, all of whom brought him great joy and pride.

Stan also leaves behind a younger brother, Allan Saari (Patricia Saari) and many special nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Samuel and Sylvie Saari, and two siblings, Tuano Saari (Dolly Saari) and Taimi Norberg (Gordon Norberg).

Stanley enjoyed hosting his family and friends for many yearly get-togethers at his residence in Clearwater, and later ‘The Cabin’ in Lac La Hache, BC until his move to Kamloops in 2016. Christmas in July, Thanksgiving’s, Halloween and Christmas parties will be fondly remembered by all those who attended.

Always an entrepreneur, breaking new ground, Stanley was often called a “Jack of all trades”. He never let not knowing how to do something stop him from pursuing his many visions, passions, and dreams. He possessed a broad working knowledge of lived experiences, derived from blacksmithing with his father, and having careers in automotive and fibreglass industries (Maple Ridge) as a young family man before entering the grocery, hospitality and recreation industries (the first neighborhood pub and golf course, Clearwater, BC) where he worked until his retirement. Stanley had a mind hungry for growth, always looking for opportunities to widen his expertise, even into his retirement.

Throughout his life, Stanley enjoyed many hobbies including snowmobiling hosting Rotary students, golf, boating, flying, hunting and fishing with his grandsons. Inspired by his father, Stanley took up woodworking in his 80’s. His family cherishes the bowls and kuksa (Finnish cups) he turned and the boards he cut and shared so generously. Flying was one dream Stanley only partially fulfilled, attaining his private pilot licence in 1980. Until his death, Stanley continued to dream about building his own plane.

Stanley will be remembered by his family as a determined and passionate man with a dry sense of humour, whose occasional gruffness did not diminish his devotion and love for his family.