elevated lYfZb November 18, 1937 – April 6, 2021
elevated lYfZb It is with great sadness that we announce that Stan died peacefully at dawn on April 6, 2021. Stan was a proud northerner, born in Nakina, Ontario on November 18, 1937 to Donald and Karolina MacLellan, as the younger brother of Angus (D.2017). He is survived by his wife, Olga (Welyczko) and children Christine, Robert and Jim (Nicole), his grandchildren Gregory(Diana), Anna(Rafael), Tanya(Oliver), Nadia(Christopher), Ben(Jordana), Koda(Linda) and Maude, and his great grandchildren Tessa, Conor, Sarah and Andrew.
elevated lYfZb In Stan’s own words (from various sources, edited): It has been an exciting journey from Nakina, a small railway town in Northern Ontario to boarding at St Michael’s College School, on to St Michael’s College, U of T, Assumption University Windsor, and University of Western Ontario.
elevated lYfZb There were many excellent teachers along the way…the absolute best was Alice Downey, in Nakina’s two room school house (Grades 1 through 10). Those taught by Alice learned when they travelled south to continue their educations that they were far ahead of their southern counterparts.
elevated lYfZb I have been constantly inspired to seek many challenges and a variety tasks. I thrived on being busy, mentoring, and productive in improving situations for those I worked with during my business career, my church community, volunteer groups, friends, and especially for my family.
elevated lYfZb As a young man, I worked on the railway during summers, on the St. Lawrence Seaway, as a brand manager, as treasurer of the economics student organization at University of Windsor, and as a Teaching Fellow. I started my business career in Toronto, working at Equitable Securities, MV Jones, CMHC, the Appraisal Institute (teaching), TD Investments, Garvin Guy Butler, Canadian Executive Service Organization (volunteer advisor – over 25 projects worldwide), Cockfield Porretti Cunningham, and Dorchester Wealth Management, plus various consulting jobs along the way.
elevated lYfZb My faith is my rock on which all else grows. In 1972 my former classmate from U of T St Mike’s, Paul Giroux persuaded me to join the Permanent Diaconate Programme. Twenty seven of us were the first in English Canada to be ordained. I continued with the Diaconate Programme out of St Augustine’s Seminary for 5 years, creating and upgrading course programming. I served the longest as a deacon at St Michael’s Cathedral, for 14 years, running the Baptismal Programme. My great joy was to participate in the marriages of my grandchildren and baptize my great-grandchildren. I retired from the Diaconate at the age of 75.
elevated lYfZb I also enjoyed working with the Basillians. We met at Carr Farm to create programmes and fundraise to help the poorest of the poor in the mountain regions of the Island of St Lucia — proof of success of the programmes is that their leadership now comes from the local people who participated in them.
elevated lYfZb My love of the North is strong. I always felt renewed after being in the bush. I have shared this with my children and their children as we travelled to fly-in fish, and to hunt. Nothing but God’s country to admire in peace, and the enjoyment of each other’s presence. What an amazing gift, this country of ours! There are many stories to share about organizing these yearly trips…the same can of fruit salad joined us for many years.
elevated lYfZb I guess mentoring has been a big part of my life.
elevated lYfZb For me, my life has been about faith, love for family, love of nature, passion about work, service to community and to the world. To sum it up, it has been an exciting journey!
elevated lYfZb Stan was generous with his most valuable possession – time. A father, husband, trusted mentor, deacon, advisor, volunteer, friend. He deeply impacted the lives of, and will be sorely missed by, a great many people – he was truly loved.
elevated lYfZb We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the Palliative Care Team of Caledon, Peel Region. Without their gentle and professional care, we could not have given Stan the peaceful passing at home that he wished for.
elevated lYfZb The Funeral Mass will be held at St Michael’s Cathedral at 10:00AM on Saturday April 17, 2021. While it will be private due to pandemic restrictions, it will be livestreamed — the link is www.stmichaelscathedral.com/live (or check www.stmichaelscathedral.com/schedule). You may find additional information and share your thoughts on the website of Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home.
elevated lYfZb Those who wish to honour Stan may consider making a donation to one of his choice charities, which include: Catholic Missions in Canada; Cardiac Take Charge Fund of the Toronto Rehab Foundation (UHN); and, L’Arche Canada.
Our condolences to the entire MacLellan family. May you find comfort in the wonderful life lived by Stan.
Christine, Rob, Jim and families: Wishing we could be there for you all. Our thoughts are with you and your families. Uncle Stan will be remembered with many great memories and good times. Take comfort that he is hanging out with his brother again and I am sure they are fishing and hunting to their hearts content! lots of love Wendy, Louise & Sara
Where is Stan’s place of rest as I would like to bring my mother , Joanne Murphy, great friends of deceased Bernie Murphy, there please .
I have fond memories of Stan and Olga and the diaconate formation program – my thoughts go out to Olga at this time, you are in my prayers today and always.
Dear Christine, Rob, Jim and extended Family’s, Uncle Stan was to me a man of great presence. The gigantic Eagle Panting that adorned his office seemed very fitting. I loved and respected him. I thoroughly enjoyed our hunting and fishing trips out to the cabin and will treasure them.
I know that he and Dad (Angus) are happily reunited and sharing stories and laughs. I take comfort in knowing he is at rest now. Hugs to you all, may there be peace in your hearts and memories to make you smile.
Love Carol and Tony George and families.
Dear Olga, Christine, Robert, James & Family
Stan was my lifelong friend for 80 years (as my mother would tell it I called him Chandly when we were 3 or 4 years old) from our days at St. Brigid’s, a 2-room Catholic school in the little town of Nakina, ON, and then on to St. Mike’s high school in Toronto. Later he acted as a financial advisor to many of my family members; and assisted on the Funeral Masses for both of my in-laws. A decade or so later, the SMC old boys: Tom Micaliff, Leo McArthur, Frank Dumsha, Leon Murray, Jim Gregory, Paddy Young, Stan, Me & John Sanko would get together every year for golf, drinks, dinner & stories. Just the best of times!
Stan will be missed. May he rest in peace.
Richard Aubry
Dear Olga, Christine, Rob, James and families
Stan will always have a special place in our hearts. Stan was a wonderful uncle, a great role model and an amazing man who brought joy to our lives and will be dearly missed. We have many happy memories of fishing in the evenings with Stan and Dad at the Narrows during his visits to Sioux Lookout. He was always there to celebrate our special occasions and support us in our times of grief. May your many cherished memories of him bring you comfort during this difficult time.
All of our love, Susan and Gus
Hello Christine and all Stan’s family.
Very few will have walked through this life’s journey and left such large and numerous footprints of good works behind. Stan just helped everyone in need that crossed his path. His support and guidance to the children and families in St. Lucia will continue to be remembered. He was a good and close friend who will be sorely missed and long remembered. May he rest in peace and continue to guide us.
Dear Rob and the MacLellan family,
We are watching the Mass and wishing we could be there in person to honor Stan’s memory. Listening to the reflections about Stan’s life, it is clear that he was an incredible person who was deeply loved by his friends and family. We wish all of you comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Love,Claude and Erin
My condolences to Stan’s family. May he Rest In Peace. He was a very beautiful and special human being and I am grateful to have met him.
To Olga and family,
We send our sincere and deepest condolences. Stan was an incredible man, he gave us the wonderful gift of baptizing Gabriella, Nila, Tomas and Julia. We all cherish our friendship with Stan and remember all the wonderful conversations and laughs we had with him. May he Rest In Peace.
With much love,
The da Costa, D’Emilio and Dimacakos Family
Our condolences go to the entire MacLellan family. I have many fond memories of ‘Uncle Stan’ while growing up in Guildwood. His kindness and many invitations to fun family events at the MacLellan home are treasured and remembered with much love.