Tom John Stad

Tom was born on April 3, 1938, in Hardenberg, Netherlands, the youngest of eight children, born to Thijs and Aleida Stad.  Tom passed away peacefully in Edson, AB on January 4, 2025, at the age of 86 years old.

Tom moved with his family from the Netherlands at the age of 1 to Fulham, AB.  The Family then relocated to Smithers, BC, where he began working in the logging industry.  This is where he met his wife, Janet Haayema.  Tom and Janet were married on April 6, 1962.  They moved to Kitwanga, where the first 3 children of 6 were born, Ralph (1963), Kenneth (1964) and David (1965).  Outgrowing their 1-bedroom camp cabin, Tom moved his family into Smithers, BC.  This is where they built a 5-bedroom house on Zobnick Road.  They welcomed two more children to the family here Linda (1968) and Edward (1973).  Tom, wanting to fulfill his dream to return to Alberta, moved to Niton, AB, where they stayed with Tom’s sister Minnie and family until the purchase of a trailer was finalized.  There they completed their family of 6 with Betty (1974).  Tom started his own business, operating John Deere equipment.  The family lived in the trailer while building the house that still stands today at the Peers corner, where they continued to raise their children. This house is remembered by many as the stopping spot for the many trips made between Alberta and BC.  Many family and friends were welcomed to the home.  Tom and Janet moved back to Niton, AB when it was time to downsize and Janet became ill.  After Janet’s passing in June 2001, Tom sold the trailer and moved across the road to a small acreage, where he remained until moving into the long-term care wing of the Edson Hospital.

In his retirement years, Tom enjoyed camping, square dancing or could be seen on his quad bottle picking along the highway.  Tom also enjoyed driving around and exploring new places and new people, venturing to Alaska, BC, Saskatchewan and Alberta.  Tom was a regular at Cowboy Church, including his final attendance at the Christmas service held December 17, 2024.

In his immediate family he was predeceased by his wife Janet in 2001, Grandson Jonathan Stad in 2008 and Grandson Scott Stad in 2020.

Tom is survived by his children Ralph (Bonnie), Kenneth (Crystal), David (Janet), Linda (Gerry), Edward (Annette) and Betty (Lyndsay).  He is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren.  He is also survived by one remaining sibling, Jean Klok, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Tom’s funeral service will take place at the Niton Hall at 1:00 pm on Monday January 13, 2025. Interment to follow at the Carrot Creek Cemetery.

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