John Raymond Stanford, 79, of Forsyth, was called home to be with his Lord on Thursday, October 24, 2013. John passed away at home with his loved ones by his side after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.
John was born on April 3, 1934, in the Andies community in northeast Montana to HG and Signe (Nelson) Stanford.
In addition to serving 8 years in the Army National Guard, John worked as a heavy equipment operator-mechanic his entire life. During the early 70’s he worked for Long Construction as a mechanic-welder. He also worked on the construction of plants 1 and 2 in Colstrip, MT. In the mid 70’s he worked road construction, which included the construction of I-94 in the Forsyth area. Following that, he worked for Peabody Coal Company in Colstrip as a mechanic-welder until eventually being employed by MT Power as a lead man mechanic on the fuel crew and belt lines for plants 3 and 4. John retired from MT Power in 1999 after 15 years with the company.
John loved spending time with his wife of 42 years, Donna, who he referred to as the love of his life and the most beautiful woman in Rosebud County. He also enjoyed his time with family and friends, as well as, restoring old vehicles, wood working, and mechanicing. John had a real love of flying and in his earlier years spent hours flying his plane around the area. John could always be found tinkering in his garage on various projects or unselfishly giving of his time, talents, knowledge, and expertise to help out family, friends or anyone in need. For this and much, much more he will be remembered and truly missed.
John is survived by his wife, Donna; sons, John David (Sandy) of OH, Bruce of OH, Jim (Sundy) of PA., and daughter Bonnie Cunningham of PA; step-daughters, Denise Jaramillo of Forsyth, Sherri Jarrett of NC and Tonya (Steve) Labish of UT; 8 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Mike (Yolanda) of Costa Rica, Alan of Culbertson, Mt and sister, Irene Johnson, also of Culbertson, MT; sister-in-law, Trixie of TX and Joan of AZ, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Please forgive us if we have failed to mention anyone.
John was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Bob and Ed; half-brothers, Clement and Dick; half-sisters, Vivian and Bobbie; and son-in-law, Anthony (Tony) Jaramillo.
Visitation will be Wednesday, October 30, 2013 from 10:00 to 7:00 with Family to Receive Friends from 5:00 to 7:00 in the Chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth. Funeral Services will be Thursday, October 31, 2013 at 12:00 PM at the First Baptist Church in Forsyth. Burial will follow in the Forsyth Cemetery. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth is assisting the family with these arrangements and condolences may be sent by visiting our website at www.stevensonandsons.com
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Wednesday October 30, 2013
Chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Family to Receive Friends
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Wednesday October 30, 2013
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Funeral Service
12:00 PM
Thursday October 31, 2013
First Baptist Church
1625 Cedar Street
Forsyth, Mt 59327
Interment
Following Services
Thursday October 31, 2013
Forsyth Cemetery
2804 Old Hwy 10
Forsyth, MT 59327
Reception
Following Graveside Services
Thursday October 31, 2013
First Baptist Church
1625 Cedar Street
Forsyth, MT 59327
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Wednesday October 30, 2013
Chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Family to Receive Friends
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Wednesday October 30, 2013
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Funeral Service
12:00 PM
Thursday October 31, 2013
First Baptist Church
1625 Cedar Street
Forsyth, Mt 59327
Interment
Following Services
Thursday October 31, 2013
Forsyth Cemetery
2804 Old Hwy 10
Forsyth, MT 59327
Reception
Following Graveside Services
Thursday October 31, 2013
First Baptist Church
1625 Cedar Street
Forsyth, MT 59327
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Arlen & Barbie says
John will be missed Very Very Much . He always had a smile and joke to share. When we needed a helping hand John was always there and ready to help or teach us how to do something , he created so many awesome things in his shop and we treasure the gifts he made us . All our love and Prayers are with you Donna and Family . Donna , your Christ Centered love and care of your husband and family is an example for all of us.
Love Barbie, Tom, Mike , Arlen , Gen & Sonja
The Elton Family says
To the Stanford Family:
My family and I would like to express our deepest sympathy over the loss of Mr. Stanford. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. When we read Genesis 1:28 and 31, we find that sickness and death were not a part of God’s original purpose. With this in mind, one thing that comforted me after the loss of my parents is our Creator’s plan to restore his original purpose and make it possible for all mankind (including loved ones we have lost in death) to live forever under perfect conditions. (Revelation 21:3-5; John 5:28,29) It is our hope that these words bring you a measure of comfort during this difficult time. Once again, please accept our condolences as you deal with the loss of Mr. Stanford and contemplate the hope of seeing him again.
Diana Robinette says
Donna and family
The Lord will put his arms around you all, and will be there through all, the grief will ease day than by week than by month than years but all the memories will be forever, my prayers and thoughts will be with you during this time.
Diana
Roy & Dona Jellison says
The Stanford Family
I met John in 1979 and we built our homes next to each other., since that time our friendship grew. Now John was a handy sort of guy and always ready to help me with anything I was doing so this made it good for me as I got the best part of the deal. I guess what I want to say is John was my friend and I will miss him but I also know Jesus will be their for Donna and family, though the days will be hard Jesus will be there with them.
Roy and Dona
Peggy Redman & Earl Mortensen says
Donna and Family,
Earl joins me in expressing heartfelt condolences to you on the loss your husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. May you find comfort and strength in knowing others care. We are thinking of and praying for you at this difficult time. We pray that you find peace in memories, and strength in the love and support of family and friends.
Peggy and Earl
J Johnson says
I was saddened to read of the death of John Raymond Stanford – My sincere condolences to the family. May you find comfort in many beautiful memories and talents of Mr. Stanford at this difficult time. The Bible gives us hope that soon the Creator will end all suffering, pain, and death. (Revelation 21:4). We have the hope of again being with our loved ones who have been resurrected (John 5:28-29). The promise of Paradise, the perfect conditions God originally intended for mankind will be fulfilled including God’s “will being done as in Heaven also up on Earth ” (Matt 6:9, 10). The prospect of seeing Mr. Stanford again in God’s due time is a comforting promise. I hope you are comforted by these Bible promises. (John 17:3).
travis willson says
Denise, We are so sorry to hear of your dad passing. We know how special he was to you & the boys. We are thinking of you at this time & always! Love Travis , Becky & Girls