ALAN H. STIRTON
October 14, 1916 – November 9, 2009
It is with great sadness we announce that Alan Stirton passed away peacefully at the age of 93 years. He was surrounded by his loving and devoted wife of 67 years, Bernice, and his four daughters, Dianne Eby (Richard), Dorenda Bailey (Schoenhals), Cheryl (Peter) Zipper and Charlene (Dominic) Friio. He was dearly loved by nine wonderful grandchildren – Susan, Ryan, Karyn, Alison, Cameron, Sterling, Dominique, Erin and Adam and very proud of his eight great-grandchildren. Alan grew up as a farm boy in the Petrolia District. He developed a love of flying, earned his pilot’s license and joined the RCAF as a flight instructor. He proudly served for six years and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross during World War II. He came back to Petrolia where he and Bernice farmed, raised four daughters and enjoyed their active community life. At the age of sixty he returned to his love of flying by instructing Air Cadets, which he enjoyed until his retirement. Alan was an ardent curler for many years at the Caribou and Hillcrest Clubs with a ready circle of friends and teammates. He was a dedicated husband and father with a quick wit, friendly smile and a joke for all who knew him. “Dad” will be greatly missed by his family who felt privileged to have had him as a husband, father and Grandpa for all of his 93 years. “Any man can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a Dad.” His love, strength and courage have touched everyone who knew him. The Celebration of Alan’s life will be held at St.Andrew’s United Church on Saturday November 14, 2009 at 1:30 pm. Della Ferguson will officiate. Army, Navy & Airforce Veterans/Royal Canadian Legion Funeral Rites will be conducted at the Church by Dayle Evenson. Interment will follow at Rosedale Cemetery. Visitation will be held at W.J.Jones & Son Funeral Home Friday evening 7 – 9 pm. In living memory of Alan, a tree will be planted in Besant Park by W. J. Jones & Son Funeral Home. Please sign the memorial register at website: www.wjjonesandson.com (Obituaries).
DONALD JONES FUNERAL DIRECTOR