Walter William Stanford

Walter William Stanford, beloved husband, father, grandfather and trusted lawyer passed away on May 1, 2020 at Providence Care Center in Calgary. He was 80.

Walter was born to Nunham Glenn Stanford and Mary Ann Brewster on Friday, October 13, 1939 in Raymond, Alberta. He spent his boyhood in Rosemary, where he worked in the family business, played ice hockey with friends and was affectionately nicknamed “Rusty” for his brilliant red hair. The youngest of four Stanford brothers (Nunham, Leland and Gary), Walter is survived by his younger sister, Marianne (Tom) Flanagan.

He met his wife, Myrna, at a youth dance in Claresholm. The high school sweethearts were married in 1962 in the Cardston Alberta Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and lovingly raised their two children, David and Kathleen, in Calgary. Together they enjoyed drives in the Alberta foothills, riding horses in the Rockies and attending the Calgary Stampede.

A respected Calgary lawyer, Walter was known for his expertise in commercial leasing and lending, banking, real estate development and wills and estates. He served as the president of the Calgary Legal Aid Society from 1979-81. Walter earned his B.A. and LL.B. from the University of Alberta where he met lifelong friends. He was admitted to the Alberta Bar in 1963. Upon graduation, he articled with W.A.(Bill) Howard of Howard, Bessemer, Moore, Dixon, Mackie & Forsyth, where he practiced law for many years as an associate and partner. He was practicing with Fleming LLP when he retired in 2012 due to ill health.

Walter was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served as a counsellor in four bishoprics, an elders quorum president, a high priest group leader, and enthusiastically taught Church members of all ages.

Some of his favorite roles were with the Scouting program. Walter was an avid Scouter and loved almost nothing more than hiking and camping with the young men in his congregation. He achieved Woodbadge I and II – the highest levels for volunteer Scouters in Canada – and he played a key role in organizing the 1993 Canadian Jamboree in Kananaskis, Alberta. Walter positively influenced many young men and was fondly remembered for his enthusiasm and engagement with all of his Scouts.

A man of many interests and talents, Walter enjoyed skating, curling, woodworking, birdwatching, skiing with his children, caring for the family farm, staying connected with extended family members (including helping organize several Stanford family reunions) and being a fun and loving husband, father and grandfather. His children, grandchildren and extended family members treasure the laughter and playfulness Walter brought to each family gathering, big or small.

Everyone knew Walter as someone who served without seeking recognition or thanks. He had strong faith and a deep love of God and family. Integrity, honesty, hard work and loyalty were his highest personal and professional values and he regularly exhibited them all. Walter was a loyal and true friend to many.

Walter is survived by his devoted wife Myrna Louise Volstad Stanford; their two children, David James Stanford (Marie-Laure Vanizette) and Kathleen Stanford Montgomery (Chris Montgomery); nine grandchildren, Danielle (Sam) Walker, Jeremy (HollyJoy) Stanford, Jordan (Alison) Stanford, Emma Stanford and Hannah Stanford; Paige (JJ) Vogt, Hunter (Madeleine) Montgomery, Anne (Josh) Blake, and Stanford Montgomery; and four great-grandchildren.

We would like to thank the exceptional and caring staff at Providence Care Centre for helping Walter live his final years in comfort and with dignity.

Should friends desire, contributions may be made to the Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation (www.heartandstroke.ca).

Walter’s funeral service will be broadcast live on Saturday, May 23 at 11:00 am, go to zoom.us, click on “Join a Meeting” and enter this meeting number 88012630563. Interment at Claresholm Cemetery. Messages of condolence may be forwarded to the family at www.piersons.ca.