Walter Joseph Stanis

Walter Joseph (Tim) Stanis

June 20, 1949 – December 6, 2019

Joe Stanis passed away peacefully sitting out in the sun on a beautiful Ramona morning, on Friday, December 6, 2019.  He had liver cancer and struggled with pain and mobility, but he had been up and about until the end.

The world is a lesser place without him (says me, his sister Kathy).  He was quite a unique self – the caring, helpful, charming, talented, knowledgeable and competent man of faith, and the stubborn curmudgeon both.

Joe was born in St. Louis (known as Tim then), the fourth of five children of Paul W. Stanis and N. Jeanette Schooley Stanis.  He is survived by siblings Michael P. Stanis of Kensington, CA; Mary K. (Kathy) Stanis of San Diego, CA; and Susan Stanis Castro of Bakersfield, CA; as well as many nieces and nephews.  Sister Patricia Stanis Lor passed away in 1984.

Joe was back and forth a few times between St. Louis and California since 1967, in St. Louis caring for our mother, who had MS.  He came to San Diego in 1982, where our father and I had both eventually settled after our mother died in 1979.  After our father died in 1992, he moved to Ramona for ranch caretaker work.  In San Diego, he worked in airline food service, and then studied aircraft mechanics.  One of his favored activities was hanging out at Montgomery Field with all the old pilots.  In Ramona, after some ranch jobs, he worked for Julian Pie Shop then at the Ramona Senior Center.  He was a very talented acoustic guitarist for many years.  He was an avid shortwave radio aficionado.  He was also the kind of guy who could fix anything (and collect anything that might be needed to fix anything).

The last number of years, he lived with and was caregiver for George Trelikes, who died in September 2019 at age 103. Besides being so ill himself, Joe deeply mourned the loss of his 24/7 pal George.

Joe was cremated and his ashes scattered here and there.

I have had the pleasure and comfort of talking with the many people, near and far, who cared about, liked and loved him – and you all know who you are.  Our thanks to all the people who helped him through the end.  Our childhood family friend, Jo Ann Larson, was a very big part of going to Ramona with me to care for Joe and to move his stuff.  And many thanks to Robert Knight, property owner where George and Joe lived.

Rest in peace, Joe.  You are very much missed.

Bonham Bros & Stewart Mortuary and Cremation Service assisted the family.

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