Junior Lee Stacey
April 08, 1949 - November 14, 2016
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Junior Lee Stacey
April 08, 1949 - November 14, 2016
Obituary
His fishing rod and reel have been hung up. He will hear the sing of the line no more.
Junior Lee Stacey left his family and friends on November 14,2016.
Junior was born in Calico Rock, AR April 8, 1949. He and his family moved to Whatcom County when he was two years of age. Junior graduated from Lynden High School in 1967.
His adult working career was broad and varied. Junior’s work ethic never wavered nor dimmed. He set high standards for himself and those around him. He championed many people to excel, to reach for higher goals and silently applauded them when they succeeded. His highest compliment was “that’s pretty good”. He was rock solid on the outside, determined, passionate in his convictions and beliefs, but those who knew him well, knew that inside beat the heart of a marshmallow.
Juniors final work path lead him to Farmers Equipment with branches in Lynden and Burlington WA. First as an employee and later as a partner and owner. Junior met his future wife Darleen (Larson) at Bunk’s Drive Inn in Bellingham in 1968. Their marriage was a teenage marriage that lasted 48 plus years. Together they had two sons, Darrell and Chris. Junior’s love and pride in and for his sons was limitless. Cheering them on from the bleachers or coaching them from the side lines. His sons were the crown jewel in his life.
Junior planned to retire at year end 2015, but in September 2015 he was diagnosed with stage IV cancer. A life altering diagnoses, cutting short his and Darleen’s plan to leisurely travel and fun. As well as watching his granddaughter Lauren grow up and bloom in to the wonderful, amazing and gifted woman she will become.
Water – frozen or liquid. Snow skiing, water skiing and fishing in the San Juan islands or off the Coast of Vancouver Island BC where he and Darleen spent as much time as possible. This summer Junior will take his last cruise to the San Juan Islands with his family. A celebration of his love and life, with a stop at his favorite ice cream parlor in Friday Harbor.
Junior leaves behind wife Darleen, sons Darrell and Chris (wife Amy), grandchildren, brothers Glen, Lyndall and Jim, sister Bonnie and numerous relatives and friends.
Remember Junior each in your own way. With laughter or a tear. Healthy and robust.
The family would like to express their heartfelt thank you to Hospice House (Scooter, Cari, Amy, Michelle and many others. They lightened the final journey with their gentle, tender and loving care.
Memorial can be made to Whatcom Hospice House, Bellingham, WA.
15 responses to Junior Lee Stacey
Dick Stacey says:
November 14, 2016
Darleen, Darrell ,Chris. Sorry to hear about Juniors passing. I will miss him as will many others. Darleen I will always have fond memories of the times at the lake with you, Junior and the boys ,[that’s been awhile.] I will also remember Junior making it to quite a few of my football games, great supporter. Always enjoyed catching up with Junior when we would run into each other or on the phone. He is a great uncle. My thoughts and prayers are with you and family. Dick Stacey
Jana Law says:
November 14, 2016
Darlene and Family,
I’m so deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Junior. May the love of your family and friends comfort you during this difficult time.
It was an honor to have known Junior and I will truly miss his friendship. During my years at Farmers Equipment I have gotten to know that “tough” guy and have learned that he had an amazing passion and love for so many people and things. I have always admired Junior’s strive to succeed and give 200% in everything he did. But even more I was impressed by his huge caring heart and his love for his family and friends. He always talked about fishing, his wife Darlene, his sons, and most of all of his granddaughter Lauren. He always had pictures of his family on display and was happy and proud to share many stories about them.
I always said, “Tough on the outside, soft on the inside.” He was a great man and I will miss him dearly.
Sending love and my best wishes to all of you.
Jana Law
Dan and Beth Statz says:
November 14, 2016
Darlene, Darrell and Chris,We are sending our deepest sympathies and hope that all the good times and happy memories you have of Junior will make this difficult time a little easier. We are so glad we got to meet him at Christmas a couple of years ago and will always remember that lovely evening.
Dan and Beth Statz
Jimmy and Mayumi Stacey says:
November 14, 2016
I miss you brother, so sad to see you have to go that way, love, for, ever.
DAVE WEBB says:
November 14, 2016
DEAR DARLENE AND CHRIS,
I JUST PICKED UP THE BELLINGHAM HERALD AND READ THAT JUNIOR PASSED AWAY ON NOVEMBER 14TH. I AM SO SORRY THAT HE WAS SNATCHED AWAY JUST BEFORE HE WAS READY TO RETIRE. I HAD MY OWN BATTLE WITH CANCER LAST YEAR BUT I GUESS I WAS THE LUCKY ONE.
I ALWAYS ENJOYED OUR VISITS OVER TAX SEASON, HOWEVER BRIEF THEY WERE. ONE THING THAT I WILL NEVER FORGET WAS HIS CONVEYANCE TO ME HOW PROUD HE WAS TO HAVE ALL OF YOU AS HIS FAMILY.
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AT THIS TIME OF MOURNING FOR JUNIOR HE WILL ALWAYS BE PRESENT IN YOUR HEART..
WITH LOVE,
DAVE WEBB