Obituary of Stanley Charles Gragg

GRAGG, Stanley Charles 1930-2021 Stanley Charles Gragg passed peacefully with family at his side the morning of Dec. 8 in Windsor, Ontario at the age of 91. Stan is survived by his cherished wife of 68 years, Helena Gragg (née Johnson) and their five children: Drew (Tina Reilly), Marcia (William Mattice), Sheldon (Heather McPhail), Barry (Amanda Stulman) and Paul (Elizabeth Ainslie), whom he inspired to think for themselves, always be curious and love one another. He was the devoted grandfather of Drew, Piper, James, Fiona, Katherine and Clara, step grandchildren Brian Mattice and Jessica Blais (Eric Blais) and great grandson Tomas Blais. He was predeceased earlier this year by his dear sister Phyllis Gibbs and is survived by his other loving sister, Ida Little. Stan was one of a kind. He was born and grew up in Windsor, graduated from W.C. Kennedy Collegiate in 1948 and earned a Bachelor’s degree from McMaster University in 1965. Following early days working as a teacher, Stan built a stellar career in public service, eventually becoming a trusted advisor to Minister of Education Bill Davis and then Minister of Education Thomas Wells, who served in the cabinet of Premier Davis. Stan was a leader in the modernization of special education in Ontario and a mentor to many educators and administrators. He retired in 1988 after serving as Director of the Ontario Fire College in Gravenhurst, Ontario, where he made a home for his family for more than a decade. Throughout his career, Stan was active in the community as a school board trustee, Ontario Trillium Foundation volunteer and Cub Scout leader. He was a lifelong observer and lover of nature, and a skilled gardener, hunter, angler, camper, winemaker and collector of fine vintages. He was an accomplished marksman and world traveller who always had a riveting story to tell. After retirement, Stan and Helena lived for 27 years in Vankoughnet, Ontario, creating a peaceful haven for themselves in the woods. They spent their many happy years there together cooking, gardening, making wine and bread, volunteering in the local community and entertaining friends and family. In 2014, Stan and Helena returned to Windsor where they took up residence at Amica Riverside, becoming, as usual, vibrant members of the community. Stan is fondly remembered as founder of Amica’s “Mimosa Sundays” and as the community’s most enthusiastic gardener. A special thank you to the wonderful staff at Amica Riverside, and to the doctors, nurses and staff at the Metropolitan Hospital and Palliative Care Program at Hôtel-Dieu Grace for taking such good care of Dad. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ontario Field Naturalists, Community Policing Bracebridge, and the Board of the Trillium Foundation As per Stan's wishes, cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted to SIMPLE CHOICE (Wyandotte) 519-254-2585. Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared with the family at www.simplechoicecreation.ca