Obituary of Stanley Sleep

Stanley Sleep was born in 1935 in Coles Island, the third of 6 kids, Stanley grew up along the Washademoak, fishing, swimming, helping get in the winter wood, the same idyllic life he and his wife Marie provided for his own five kids.  They were married for 61 years and worked together running farm and store for many years.  Later on,  without farm or store or kids they worked in sync processing the garden's bounty, freezing, canning, pickling, or storing.  

At the age of 14 Stan went to work sawing lath at Corey's Mill. At 18 he joined the RCAF and his first posting after basic training was in Chattam followed by a post in Marville, France then Summerside, P.E.I. At age 31 he left the force and with his family returned to his home of Coles Island where he worked hard, first cutting pulp and tending their newly opened country store, then driving school bus ( 28 years ) , farming purebred shorthorn cattle ( 22 ) years, and finally, establishing an apple orchard with 50-60 trees of many varieties.

He was a volunteer firefighter, a rescuer of many strays be it animal or human, an enthusiastic photographer, hunter and bird feeder, designing many innovative contraptions for what he called his welfare program.  He loved music, especially songs with great lyrics that told a story.

His love for his dogs, especially Ben was poignant and his kindness to all animals, be it turtles laying eggs in his garden to raccoons taking over his barn, to stray cats needing food and homes was steadfast and inspiring.  

Stan had a quick wit and a dry sense of humor.  He could  'MacGyver' anything.  He  enjoyed his grand and great-grand kids immensely and not uncommonly sat with a child on each knee sharing his cake, apple or cookie.  From feeding chickadees out of their hands, fishing off the dock to cooking down maple syrup on an outside firepit, many a great memory was made.

Stan was an avid reader, an innovator, a lifelong learner.  He always had a question for Mr. Google or Doctor Google or whichever Google was required. He remains an inspiration to his family and friends, missed but never forgotten.

Stanley is survived by his wife, Marie (Jeffery) Sleep; his son, Paul Sleep (Darlene) of Penobsquis; his daughters: Cindy Connor of Devon, Alberta, Laurie Sleep of Quispamsis and Chanda Klassen (Paul) of Chipman; his sisters: Elsie Viger (George) of Coles Island, Kathryn Peever (Archie) of Iroquois Falls ON and Joan Glew (Doug) of Grand Bay-Westfield; his sisters-in-law: Joyce Sleep of Riverview and Madeline Sleep of Keirstead Mt.; 16 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a daughter Karen Ryder-MacNair also 2 brothers; Ronald Sleep and Lloyd Sleep; an infant sister, Bertha Marie and an infant great grandson, Myles.

Stanley Sleep of Coles Island, passed away on November 30, 2017 at the age of 82.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the compassionate care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, (506-433-1176) where visitation will be held on Sunday December 3rd from 2-4 & 6-8 pm. 

A service celebrating Mr. Sleep's life will be held from Wallace Community Chapel on Monday, December 4th, 2017 at 2:00 pm. 

If you are considering making a memorial donation the family has recommended the Coles Island Volunteer Fire Department, NB Heart and Stroke, NB Lung Association or a charity of the donor's choice.
 

To Join in on Stanley's Celebration of Life, please copy this link into your address bar: https://livestream.com/accounts/12493326/events/7964356