In Memory Of

Robert "Dood" Arthur Staniforth

Jan 6, 1926 - Jan 6, 2026

Notice

A memorial Come and Go Tea will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch# 212 in Sylvan Lake on Saturday March 21st from 12:00pm - 3:00pm.

Obituary

Robert Arthur Staniforth came into the world on January 6th, 1926, and left peacefully on January 6. 2026 - his 100th birthday.

It was a cold day on January 6, 1926 when his pregnant mother travelled to the hospital in Red Deer by horse-drawn buggy. A few weeks later, we almost lost him when his weight dropped from a whopping 13 pounds to just five. Thankfully, he turned the corner—and he turned many more throughout his long life.

“Dood,” his childhood nickname, lived most of his life on the family farm southwest of Sylvan Lake, following in his father’s footsteps by living off the land. Times were not always plentiful. He often recalled that during the 1930s he ate boiled oatmeal for breakfast, fried oatmeal for lunch, and sometimes oatmeal again for supper. He didn’t eat oatmeal again until he was in his late 90s.

Just shy of his 18th birthday in 1944, Dad joined the Army. After basic training and further instruction in England, he was on route to Germany when he learned that WW II had ended. He was stationed in Germany for the next two years. In addition to serving as a driving instructor, he drove a Coca-Cola truck between Germany and Holland. Never one to miss an opportunity, he engaged in a bit of entrepreneurial activity—hiding bicycles between cases of Coke in Germany and trading them for cigarettes in Holland (or perhaps vice versa). By the time he received his discharge papers, he had saved enough money—packed into a suitcase—to buy the farm. When someone warned him that his luggage might be searched before boarding the ship home, he spent it all in one night at a pub, ensuring that everyone enjoyed free drinks most of the evening. As it turned out, no one ever checked.

After returning home, Dad attended SAIT, studying mechanics for a year, and then farmed for more than 45 years. He officially retired at age 65 but continued to live off and care for the land he loved. Retirement suited him well—he spent many happy hours tinkering and fixing things in his shop.

On another cold day, December 29, 1949, he married the love of his life, Beverley Patten. Together they shared more than 70 happy years of marriage. They had four children. Bobby passed away as an infant, and Linda passed in 2019. Despite life’s losses, ours was a happy family. Supper-table conversations were treasured, with laughter often taking precedence over Mom’s wonderful cooking. In later years, Dad devotedly cared for Mom until she moved into long-term care. She passed away in November 2020 after living with dementia.

Dad remained on the farm for a short time afterward, until he decided he could no longer tolerate his own cooking—or any more TV dinners. For the final four years of his life, he lived at Sylvan Lake Lodge and later at Bethany Sylvan Lake Continuing Care Facility.

Dad was a man with nine lives. Near-death experiences on the farm were not uncommon. In the end, however, even he could not escape time.

He was humble, uncomfortable with boastfulness, respectful to everyone, and deeply troubled by injustice. He was fair—even to those who had not always been fair to him. In this, he taught his children some of life’s most important lessons. A true farmer to the end, Dad welcomed visitors warmly and formed many lifelong friendships. We can still picture the coffee pot going on as a vehicle turned into the yard, followed by Mom’s familiar call: “Come on in.”

Dood was predeceased by most of his friends (a reality of living to 100), his beloved wife, and two of his children. He is survived by his children Carol Ramsay (Wayne) and Craig Staniforth (Cindy), seven grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the exceptional staff at Sylvan Lake Lodge and Bethany Sylvan Lake Continuing Care Facility, the many nurses at Sylvan Lake Home Care for their compassionate and dedicated care, and Sylvan Lake Funeral Home.

A memorial Come and Go Tea will be held at the Sylvan Lake Legion on Saturday March 21st from 12:00pm - 3:00pm. Friends and family are all welcome to gather and celebrate the life of 'Dood' Staniforth

Condolences

Renee Colbourne :

Dood, what an amazing Father you all had. I enjoyed my Homecare visits with him. He always had a cup.of hot coffee ready to go for me. We would sit at the table in the kitchen and he would share his life stories He was an absolute pleasure to be around and to be honest, I always extended my visits with him. My sincerest condolences to your family as you lay your Dad to rest. He will be missed.
Kindly,
Renee

Brian and Kathy Inglis:

Our condolences to all the Staniforth and Ramsay clans on Dood’s passing. He Belonged to a remarkable generation of “get er done” folks from whom we could all learn both skills and life lessons.

Pearl Johnson:

From the family of Howard and Phyllis Johnson, we extend our warmest condolences. The Staniforth family extended themselves to ours by inviting our dad to participate in the fall harvest for many years. I cannot exaggerate how happy this opportunity made our dad and by extension our mom. The friendship between our families will always be warmly remembered.

Clayton Mattson Family:

Deepest sympathies to the families from ours. Dood was an anchor in the community. I know dad spent a lot of time with Dood the last few years and will miss his company.

Art, Jackie Traill:

Our heart felt condolences to you and your family.
Uncle Dood will be missed.

Noreen McCallum:

Condolences to you and your family Craig. Certainly your father had a life well lived! May the memories of be of comfort.

Dave and Bonnie Vaughan:

So sorry to hear of your dear Dad passing!!

Have so many wonderful memories of your family over the years!

Sending love and hugs to all

Andrew/Debbie:

Our deepest condolences to your family. Thinking of all of you at this difficult time.

John Clayton:

Sorry to hear of Doods passing Iam sure your family miss him . Iam sure you will see mannerisms in your boys and your grandchildren that will instantly remind you of your Dad

Murray and Darlene :

Our condolences to you and your family Carol
The loss of a parent is the end of the family chain .
Your dad was a true farmer . One of the stories I would hear from your
Mom , was no matter what he was doing he made sure he was home at meal time . Take care . We will chat one day soon .

Jenni Traill:

Our deepest condolences to your family. We loved him dearly. From the BC branch of the tree.

Judy S.:

What a wonderful obituary written for an amazing life. Sounds like your dad and mine had much in common and would've made great friends. Thinking of all of you during this difficult time.

Wayne Ramsay:

Our deepest condolences to the families of yours from our family in Ontario.

Wendy Smith:

Sending my condolences to you, Carol, and your family. Many happy memories from the farm.

JULIE BENDER:

Gerhard and I offer our deepest condolences to you Carol, Craig and your families. Your dad and mom hold a special place in our memories.

Wendy Halverson:

So sorry for your loss.

Tammy Vaughan:

Condolences to the family,

Amanda Colborne:

My deepest condolences to you and your family

I loved your parents they were always warm and loving to everyone

Bev Barker Gunderson:

Sending you all the deepest sympathies from the Gordon and Ann Barker family. What an amazing life your Dad lived. A treasure trove of memories to cherish of both your parents. Wonderful people.

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