Harry V. Vanstone, 97, died July 30, 2022, at his residence in St. Stephen, NB. Harry was born in St. Stephen. He was the first-born son of Harry P. and Patricia J. (Donahue) Vanstone. Harry was a life-long resident of St. Stephen where he and his late wife Marion L. (Carey) brought up their five children. Harry and Marion married July 27, 1950.
Harry was above all a loving husband, proud father and grandfather. A man of devout faith, he was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church and served in many capacities from altar boy to priest’s assistant in his later years. He compassionately cared for family and friends through the years and privately and humbly gave many hours of service to those needing his care. He always wanted to make sure friends and family were well looked after.
Harry was an amazing historian and storyteller and could entertain for hours with his many stories of families and local colourful characters of the past.
Harry graduated from St. Stephen High School in 1941. He joined the Canadian Navy in 1942 when he was 18. He wanted to join when he graduated high school, but his mother wouldn’t let him and she enrolled him in the Holy Rosary Business School run by the Sisters of Charity. Once graduated from this program, he entered the Navy and spent three years at sea before returning home and joining the family business, International Drug Company. He spent his life working in that business and its successors retiring in 1989. Upon retirement, he and Marion launched their world travels, enjoying many trips and cruises where they explored Europe, China, Africa, Russia, Australia, Central and South America, as well as many points in North American.
Harry leaves behind to mourn his five children - Mary Patricia Vanstone (John Roby), Carolyn Joan McNamara (Bryan), Monica Claire Lyons (Wade), Janice Elizabeth Rice (Kirk) and Harry Peter Vanstone, his nine grandchildren - David Roby (Jenny Zhang), Rachel Roby (James Rassos), Charlie McNamara (Terrah), Ed McNamara (Jesse Barbour), Michael Lyons, Mark Lyons (Sophia), Patrick Lyons, Ethan Rice (Katie), Oliver Rice and 3 great grandchildren, special cousin Betty McCabe, as well as many nieces and nephews and cousins.
Harry was predeceased by his parents Harry and Patricia (Hay and Pat) Vanstone, his wife Marion, his first-born infant son David Joseph, his brother and sister-in-law Beverly and Elizabeth Vanstone, his sister-in-law and husband, Evelyn and Louis Ahern, and his brother-in-law, Francis Carey.
The family wishes to thank the Extramural nurses and Home Support Service "girls" for their care and kindness. As well, we appreciate the support of our many neighbours and friends.
A private funeral Mass for family will be celebrated on Monday, August 8, 2022 at 11 AM. You may join us virtually with the following link: https://youtu.be/m2P3-n1ulXs
For those who wish, remembrances to the St. Stephen Food Bank, Home Support Services or a charity of one's choice would be appreciated. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.mehanfuneralhome.ca