March 11, 1981 - November 20, 2024
In loving memory ~
It is with deep sadness and destroyed hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Stanley Robert Sullivan, who tragically left us on November 20, 2024. Stanley will be missed greatly, loved dearly, and is survived by his wife Shallyn Sullivan (Taliyah and Levi); his mother, Glenis Sullivan (Mark Anderson); his father, Patrick Sullivan; his brother, James Sullivan (Emma and Taika); and his sister, Jeanine Sullivan (Kelly, Holden, Logan, Forest, and Boston).
Stanley was born in Edmonton, AB, in 1981 to parents of New Zealand heritage. Following one too many Alberta winters and the arrival of two more children, the family returned to the warm shores of Auckland, NZ, before eventually settling in Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island in 1989. Stan remained on the Island for most of his childhood and young adult life, splitting his time between Qualicum, Nanaimo, and Victoria, where he made many friends, created countless memories, and played numerous gigs.
Stan graduated from Kwalikum Secondary School in 1999 and went on to study business at Malaspina (now VIU) before attending Camosun College in Victoria to become a Red Seal Electrician. Stan's admirable academic diligence earned him many accolades, awards, and a consistent position at the top of his class. His parents couldn't have been prouder.
In 2012, while visiting her family in B.C., Shallyn (then Barrie) was trolling 'Plenty of Fish' when she was hooked by Stan's smile. She baited her line with a single, irresistible compliment—"You look like Lars from Rancid"—and waited for a bite. Stan struck hard. They talked every day for the next two months before finally meeting in person. In 2013, Stan made the move from the Island to Alberta to pursue his relationship with Shallyn. The two were married on March 13, 2017, in Las Vegas at the Chapel of the Bells, a decision inspired by the classic comedy National Lampoon's: Vegas Vacation. For those who knew them and the connections they shared, it was a perfect fit. Stan made his home in Calgary, filling it with those he loved and those he allowed to love him—his soulmate and the love of his life, his beautiful wife Shallyn, T-baby, Levi and his two fur babies, Ruby and Stormy.
Stan was also an exceptionally talented creative. Whether with pencil, pastel, or paint, he could produce the most beautifully unique art, though it was through music that his gift was most potent and prolific. From his early teenage years, his extraordinary ability with the guitar led him to play with many bands spanning punk, metal, and rock 'n' roll. Stan went on to live out one of his musical dreams by co-writing and recording an album with the Black Daggers in Red Deer, AB, which they released on Halloween, October 31, 2023—again, perfectly fitting.
Following the album's warm critical reception, Stan and the Black Daggers took the record to the stage, performing at the Vin L Den on February 24, 2024. Then, on April 4, 2024, they played The Electric Highway Festival at Dickens in Calgary, a legendary venue where Stan had watched many of his favourite bands perform. This marked yet another monumental musical milestone in his life.
Stan's electrical career took him all over—from Alberta to B.C., Saskatchewan, and the U.S. Most recently, Stan was in Louisiana, working on a Catfish project for Sancon, where his expertise and determined work ethic were recognized and rewarded with promotions.
Stan had an immense love for his family, friends, music, tattoos, art, concerts, travelling, the San Francisco Giants, the Calgary Flames, and the Mercedes F1 team. He'd be absolutely gutted to know he missed Hamilton's final race with the team. Stan always lived in the moment, was up for anything, made fast friends, and created lasting memories. He left a deep impression on anyone he crossed paths with, whether at work, a concert, while travelling, or at the local pub.
Stan will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Life will never feel the same.
Co-authors: Jeanine, James & Shallyn