Obituary of Chester Stankowski

Chester Gabriel Stankowski was born to Carl and Jenny Stankowski in the farmhouse near Samburg, Saskatchewan amid a blizzard in March, 1940.  He attended school in Samburg and Prince Albert.  In January of 1960, Chester met Loretta Remarchuk on a blind date set up by his brother Frank and sister-in-law Pauline. Chester and Loretta were engaged in March and married on July 2. They were blessed with four children: Lyle, Celine, Brent and Tricia.

   Chester experimented in many occupations such as a milk delivery, meat processing and oil rigs until he found his true passion – car sales.  Chester had his start in sales with Anderson Motors in Prince Albert quickly advancing to sales manager. In 1972, with the encouragement of the Jones boys at Anderson Motors, Chester & Loretta took a leap of faith and purchased the dealership in Nipawin, known as Nipawin Chrysler Dodge. Chester built a thriving business and always acknowledged that he couldn’t have done it without the amazing, quality people that worked with him over the many years.

Through the dealership, Chester and Loretta had countless opportunities to travel throughout the world attending Chrysler functions and new car showings. There were not many locations left on their bucket list.  He was fortunate to have his son, Lyle, working next to him which allowed he and Loretta to enjoy over 20 winters at Lake Havasu, Arizona.  It was during his time that Chester discovered his second passion – golf.  Chester golfed at least 5 days and week but always set one day aside for what he coined as “Save the Marriage Day!”  It was a day that he took Mom out for lunch, shopping and whatever else she wanted to do.  They both loved Lake Havasu and the many lifelong friendships built there.

   Over the years, Chester volunteered and sat on many boards of several organizations including Saskatchewan Motors Dealers Association, Nipawin Minor Hockey, Kinsmen, K-40’s and the Knights of Columbus.  He and Loretta were always grateful for the fun times they had with friends while serving their community.

   Chester was particularly witty with an engaging sense of humor.  He liked to poke fun at all of us, especially the grand kids.  A good day was never complete without a straight shot of vodka (preferably homebrew!)  at 5:00 with a cheer of Diborja or Na Zdorvya.

Although he was known to many as an astute businessman and community leader, there was no other role that brought more meaning to his life than being a husband, father, grandfather and ultimately, a great grandfather.  Dad was an exemplary role model who instilled upon us the importance of a good work ethic. He wisdom, guidance and love have been our compass in life.   How incredibly blessed we were to have the years we did with him.  It brings us great comfort to know that he is now with those he has missed the most. 

   Chester was predeceased by his parents; his wife of 58 years – Loretta; son – Lyle; daughter – Celine; brother – Frank; and nephew - Blair.

   Chester is survived by his children: Brent (Sandra) – grandchildren Carl and Jade; Tricia (Louis) – grandchildren Madison (Zac) and Haley; daughter in law Tammy – grandchildren Katelin (Mitchell) and Carson (Haley).  He is also survived by three great granddaughters who lit up his world – Emmalyn, Maci and Liv; sister-in-law – Pauline Stankowski; nephews Dwayne and Ivan (Rhonda).  He also leaves to mourn a lifelong family friend, George Paisley.