Leonard Fanstone Obituary - Niagara Falls, Ontario | Morse & Son Funeral Home
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Life Story for Leonard Edward "Len" Fanstone

Leonard Edward "Len"  Fanstone
FANSTONE, Leonard Edward
February 12, 1924 – January 13, 2010

With love and in sorrow Len’s family wish to let our extended family and friends know of his passing on the afternoon of January 13, 2010 at the Hamilton General Hospital. Len devoted his life and energy to his beloved wife, Margaret, and their children Gordon and Lennett, as well as his community and his country.
Len was born in Niagara Falls and lived his life here. Following graduation from Stamford High he went to work for Ontario Hydro prior to enlisting in the RCAF during World War II. He served with Bomber Command in England, flying missions as a Rear Gunner on the Halifax heavy bombers. He was a proud veteran and a supporter of The Halifax Bomber Restoration at the National Air Force Museum in Trenton and a member of RAF 100 Group in England. Following the war he returned to work at Ontario Hydro, retiring in 1983 after 41 years of service.
Len met the love of his life, Margaret Gibson, during the war and they married in Old St. John’s Church at Stamford Green in 1948. Together they devoted themselves to their children, taking them to highland dance competitions throughout Southern Ontario for many years and providing them with lessons in art, swimming and other interests. In later years they travelled to England, B.C. and down east. They shared Dad’s lifelong interest in photography and his enjoyment continued with the digital camera he more recently purchased.
During this time Len was an active volunteer fireman with the Stamford Centre Volunteer Firemen’s Association and remained active when it became a community service association. He was a life member for many years and had hoped to see the new clubhouse built at their Firemens’ Park.
In retirement Len’s time was spent doing a variety of carpentry and woodworking jobs in his garage for home, friends, the church and The Lincoln and Welland Regiment. He also helped with the restoration of the church in which he and Margaret were married, building the first bank of niches for what is now Old St. John’s Heritage Columbarium.
Len was a member of St. John the Evangelist Church and Christ Church, both of which he generously supported in many ways.
Len had a joy in life and people and sought to help others in every way he could. He was full of fun and laughter, brightening the lives of so many others. He was devastated by the loss of his beloved wife, Margaret in 1997, his son Gordon in 2002, and his son-in-law Ron Yorke in 2002.
He was also predeceased by his parents Edward and Mabel Fanstone, brother Bill Fanstone, daughter-in-law Dianne Fanstone, sisters-in-law Mary-Lou Fanstone, Edie Robinson, Vera Senior Pollard and Violet Dempsey, brothers-in-law Geordie Gibson, Tommy Gibson, Bill Dempsey, Jack Senior and Jim Mason.
He unfailingly supported his daughter, Lennett, and strived to keep going as an active participant in life and his community even as his health diminished. He was surrounded and supported by friends, in particular Sterling and Clara Tooke and Kit and Cathy Ourednik, and lovingly cared for by Donna Sherbok, his caregiver for the last several months, in whose company he delighted.
He is survived by his daughter Lennett Yorke, sister Betty Mason, brother Don (Myra) Fanstone, brother-in-law Hugh Robinson, sisters-in-law Pat Fanstone, Ivy (Alan) Nunn, Jean Gibson and Marie Gibson, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Len was very special to so many, and so many were special to him. We are all better for having known such a kind, caring, giving person, and we will miss him forever.
Len is resting at Morse and Son Funeral Home, 5917 Main Street, Niagara Falls where visitation will be held on Friday, January 15 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. Funeral service will take place at St. John the Evangelist Church at Stamford Green (3428 Portage Road, Niagara Falls) on Saturday, January 16 at 11:00 am. The Rite of Commital will follow in Old St. John’s Heritage Columbarium on Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers Len has requested that donations be made to Old St. John’s Stamford Heritage Association, 3248 Portage Road, Niagara Falls, ON, L2J 2K4.
Online guest register at www.morseandson.com
The other half of the heart of our family has gone on ahead, but will live on in us.

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