Stanley Steele

March 15, 1941 — July 18, 2012

Stanley Steele, born on March 15, 1941, passed away on July 18, 2012. Stan was born on the family farm near Edgeley, N.D., and raised there with his siblings: his brothers Ben and Gail, who preceded him in death, Francis and Jim, and his sisters Evelyn, Betty, Margaret, and Shirley. On the farm, he learned to value hard work, a value that sustained him throughout his life.

Stan moved to California in 1962, where he worked as a mechanic for many years at Stancil’s Toyota and Neil’s automotive, before establishing his own automotive shop at his home in Diamond Springs. He spent most weekdays up to his elbows in engines, but on the weekends he indulged his favorite hobby, fishing. His love of the pursuit of fish was boundless, taking him to Canada for pike and Alaska for halibut, but most weekends he would get up well before dawn and drive his boat to New Melones Reservoir or Lake Comanche to fish for trout, or sometimes to the river for striped bass. He preferred fishing in the company of friends and family and enjoyed introducing the inexperienced to the skills, wisdom and humor of fishermen. He also participated in the Jeeper’s Jamboree for many years, where he particularly enjoyed working with the cook crew.

Whether working or relaxing, Stan enjoyed the company of friends and family and he never lacked for either. From his regular weekend fishing buddies to his many grandchildren, he was loved and respected as a great man: sometimes opinionated and stubborn, perhaps, but generous and kind at heart, always ready to lend a hand or tell a joke. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Pat; his son, Mike; his daughters, Deb, Cheryl and Barb; and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A memorial for Stan will be held at the Diamond Springs Firefighters Hall on Aug. 25, from 2 to 5 p.m. Donations in his name can be made to Snowline Hospice or the Diamond Springs – El Dorado Firefighters’ Association lnc.

Stan, we will miss you.