Richard 'Dick' Paul Vanstone

July 26, 1945 - April 14, 2019

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VANSTONE, Richard (Dick) Paul -of Desboro, passed on April 14, 2019 at South Bruce Grey Health Centre, Chesley, after a courageous battle with cancer, at age 73. Dick is survived by his loving partner Shirley Atkinson,  children Jack (Danielle) of Calgary, Rick (Shelley) of Holland Centre, and Dave of Mount Forest. Doting  grandpa to Ameliana, Jacob, Gabrielle, Rogan, Parker, Jonothon and Lily. He is survived by his sisters Ivy France of Toronto, Sandra (Harv) Harron of New Dundee, and in-laws Dave of Monkton, John (Marg) of Rockwood, and Helen of Sherwood Park Alberta. Predeceased by his wife Frances Vanstone (nee Ellacott) parents Jack and Mabel Vanstone (nee Gerby), mother Francoise Vanstone (nee Hamel), and brother-in-law George. 

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If  the word “everything” is used to describe someone, then you can appreciate how remarkable  Dick Vanstone was to his family, friends, and community. A caring, agreeable and loving man that had a fondness for the outdoors, spending time deer and turkey hunting, fishing, and ATV'ing, with his family.  As a young man, he was very mechanically inclined and took his talents to the US Air Force, where he volunteered from 1968-72. Stationed in Thailand, he served two tours as a crew chief and jet engine mechanic on F4 Phantoms and B52 Bombers and retired from the service as a Staff Sergeant. After his service he was a talented plumber and pipe-fitter. Together with Fran, his wife of 45 years who predeceased him in 2016, they raised their three boys. All of them shared their dad's joy of the outdoors. Dick was active in all the boys and grandkids lives, watching them at hockey, baseball or volleyball, or also serving as a Scout and Beaver Club Leader. The boys described their dad as firm, but fair and patient, with a long fuse! In quiet times, he enjoyed wood-working and built many toys, birdhouses, and potato bins. He was a devoted Legion member, volunteering there for over 40 years and serving as Sergeant at Arms at the Durham Branch. During the final years of his life, Dick found new love with Shirley and together they continued a tradition of volunteering and spending time with family. “ He was her everything.”  

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Visitations will be held Wednesday April 17 from 4:00 – 7:00 pm and on Thursday April 18 from 10:00 – 12:00 pm at the GARAFRAXA HILL FUNERAL HOME, Chatsworth. The Legion and Funeral Services will commence at 12:00 pm,  Pastor Michael Henkel officiating. Family and friends are invited to a luncheon at the Funeral Home reception area following the service. Inurnment service at Elma Centre Cemetery to follow later in the spring. Donations to the Durham Legion or Chapman House would be greatly appreciated. Condolences may be expressed at www.garafraxahillfuneral.com