Remembering Stanley Chase: A Legacy of Love, Nature, and Resilience

When we browse through the Winnipeg Free Press obituaries, we aren’t just looking at dates and names; we are reading the stories of lives that shaped our community. Today, we honour the memory of Stanley Chase (March 8, 1952 – July 8, 2026), a man whose life was a testament to the beauty of the Manitoba wilderness and the enduring strength of family bonds.

Early Roots and Family Foundations

Born in the quiet town of Ashern, Manitoba, Stanley’s journey began in 1952. He was raised in an environment overflowing with love, guided by his mother, Patricia Podlaski, and later by his stepfather, Joseph Podlaski, who raised him as his own. As the eldest of several siblings, Stanley learned early on the importance of kinship and support—values he carried with him throughout his entire life.

A Lifetime of Dedication in Winnipeg

In 1971, Stanley made the move to the city, beginning a professional chapter that would span nearly five decades. He joined Macleod’s, a company where he remained loyal through various transformations and name changes until his retirement in 2017. His career was more than just a job; it was a pillar of stability that allowed him to build a life in the heart of Winnipeg.

A Passion for the Great Outdoors

Beyond his professional life, Stanley was a man of the earth. For those who knew him, he was the embodiment of the “outdoorsman.” His happiest moments were spent:

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• Fishing at Sunrise: Casting a line into the still waters of Manitoba.
• Camping: Sharing stories and laughter around a crackling campfire.
• Playing Cribbage: Enjoying a competitive yet friendly game with loved ones.
• Hunting: Immersing himself in the serenity of nature.

Following the end of his marriage to Angela in 2001, Stanley embraced a “bachelor life” that granted him the ultimate freedom: the ability to fish whenever the mood struck him.

The Joy of Grandparenthood and New Beginnings

In 2020, Stanley relocated to Riverton to be with his brother Benny and family. It was here that he truly embraced the peace of retirement. However, the greatest joy of his later years arrived in 2019 and 2023 with the birth of his grandchildren, Trish and Will. They quickly became the center of his world, bringing a renewed sense of purpose and immeasurable happiness to his life.

Stanley’s heart grew even larger when he discovered his “bonus family,” welcoming eight half-siblings into his life, further expanding the circle of love that surrounded him.

A Final Battle and a Lasting Smile

Even as his health declined in his final years, Stanley’s spirit remained unbroken. He returned to Winnipeg to be close to his daughters, fighting his illness with the same quiet resilience he applied to everything in life. The family extends their deepest gratitude to the home care providers and the dedicated staff at Winnipeg’s community care services and Lions Manor for their compassionate care.

“See you later… maybe.”

Stanley was never one for heavy goodbyes. Instead, he would offer a knowing smile and a playful, “See you later… maybe.” While he is deeply missed, those words serve as a gentle reminder that love and memories are timeless. He leaves behind a legacy of humor, resilience, and an unbreakable bond with his family.

A funeral service will be held at a later date to celebrate a life well-lived.