I started writing a tribute… I had so much to say… but now I will keep my tribute to you, Dear Stan, relatively, short. So here goes. Our friendship goes back to 1976 when my dear husband Barry, announced, shortly after we were married, that he had a new job in Coventry at GEC. He worked alongside Stan and they soon became good friends mainly because they shared a similar humour and they just enjoyed being in each other's company. Wine and Cheese socials were quite a thing in those days and that’s how I met Stan. Perhaps, the most memorable time we shared, was a holiday together in 1985. Barry, myself, Stan and another friend Pete, plus our 23 month old son, James, packed our cases and flew to Malaga, spending a week in an apartment in Fuengirola. James insisted on practising his new found word, after Daddy and Mummy and that was Dan, he couldn’t pronounce the ‘St’ of Stan and so for most of the plane journey out, he was calling out ‘Dan’! Stan was very … tolerant! One of Stan’s most endearing qualities was his zest for life! Whenever we all went out socially there was so much endless laughter to the point of having stitch because our sides hurt so much from laughing! Stan’s passion for Steam engine rides on the GWSR was one which we shared as well and enjoyed our time together in the trains.
Life is not going to be the same without you Stan. We have all been touched by your endearing presence. Your friendship has made us all feel better for sharing special time with you; so it’s a heart felt thank you, Stan, from me. Rest in Peace dear friend.
With Profound and Eternal Love
Linda xx
Linda Winnett
26/02/2025
