He was born June 18, 1920, in Baxcenden, Lancashire, England, the third son of Thomas and Mariah Yates. He emigrated with his family to the United States in 1924 where his father began a long career as a cloth designer at the Verney Mill. Stanley attended school in Brunswick and was a 1939 graduate of Brunswick High School. During his senior year he also worked a full shift at the Verney Mill.
One of Brunswick’s World War II veterans, Stanley served our country in the Army Air Corps as an airplane mechanic and radio operator. He held the rank of Staff Sergeant and was fortunate to have survived several air battles. He participated in campaigns in Arno, Italy, Rome, Africa, Normandy, Northern and Southern France, The Rhineland, and Central Europe.
After his honorable discharge in 1944 he returned to Brunswick and worked at the Verney Mill until it closed. He then moved to Hartford, CT, and was employed by United Technologies as an airplane engine inspector and mechanic. Upon his retirement in the late ’70s, Stan returned to Brunswick.
He was now able to spend a great deal of time pursuing his life long passion of boat designing and building. He helped his nephews design and construct their lobster boats, while also continuing his favorite pastime of sailing.
His love of and great enthusiasm for sailing began on the Androscoggin River as a youngster and continued with the numerous boats he sailed on the waters of Casco Bay. He even mastered the art of sail making to complete his many projects.
Stanley was predeceased by his parents; brothers Tom and John; sister Ada Y. Clemons; and brother-in-law William Clemons.
He is survived by a loving family and had a close, unique, caring relationship with his nephews William Clemons and James Clemons and Niece Anne Clemons Jones, all of Harpswell. Also surviving are cousins Suzanne Narbut of North Chelmsford, MA and Louise Neuman of Bristol, CT; as well as several grand and great-grand nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the professional and caring staff at Bay Square for their compassionate care provided to Stanley.
A graveside service will be held for family and friends, with burial to follow at Riverside Cemetery in Brunswick. Services are in the care of Brackett Funeral Home, 29 Federal St., Brunswick.
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