Memorial - Stan Dupuis

The Crusaders would like to express their condolences to Kevin Dupuis and family for the loss of Kevin’s father, Stan Dupuis.

For newer Crusaders not familiar with Kevin, he was a long-time Crusader who swam at a national finalist level and coached with our program for 6+ years. Kevin was
instrumental in the Crusaders getting the Playground program off the ground, being a favorite coach in that group. People joined our club because of Kevin, and he was the
first coach for some of our now Senior squad swimmers.

Stan was a big volunteer for the club (which matched his big personality) and we mourn his loss. As a part of honouring Stan, we would like to share the message that his
daughter Natalie (also a Crusader) wrote:

“Meet Stan Dupuis, the craziest man you'll ever meet....
He never cared of what people thought and broke every single rule I know. But no matter what, people NEVER forgot his name. And how could they not? The man had a big belt that said "Stan" in big letters.
Stan lived life big and was a very impressionable teacher, teaching thousands of kids over the years. He dressed up as Superman on his retirement, EVEN renting a telephone
booth making the local news. But could he EVER sell...and find you a deal! Whether it was: A Vacuum Cleaner on the ferry ride between Halifax and Dartmouth...Pumpkins....
Christmas trees... Heck, he could sell ice to an Eskimo. Once, there was this time he dressed all decked out in yellow as Corn Man in front of an adult entertainment store (Ralph’s)with a sign that said, "Buy corn not porn" .. Wherever he went, he ALWAYS showed up for the occasion and somehow left smiles on everyone's faces ear- to- ear. He lit up the room with his charisma.
Back in our swimming days, Stan was Crusader Man at one of our swim meets, giving out ties to kids and parents in the bleachers. I remember he was there to cheer me on walking down the pool deck
during my ENTIRE 200 laps for my first swim-a-thon when I was 9.

He NEVER let me quit that's for sure, and made sure I finished. He also had the best cars.... From the red Lada that had a speaker in the rear telling the whole parking lot you were in reverse.
To the brown Sherminator van (that I swear needed duct tape to stay together) ... And then there was his prized Honda Odessey that he drove like a race car!!
He had his sight on a BMW (big step for Stan) and was blessed to take it for a spin with my husband just the other day. Without a doubt, Stan had the best cars and could fix anything (well, in his
mind lol). He was the only man I knew that would answer the phone with “speak to me” often making the caller nearly pee their pants. He was that man that would design an entire room based on the style of the doorknob because it was his way or the highway! His mind was busy, but he made it work and always had a plan! In his retirement years he became a self acclaimed chef...Outfit and all.
With his signature dish stir fry “with a touch of wiener”. And oh, was it ever good! Through cutting lawns over the years while cursing us for nearly breaking everything in our path...
To heading down to Florida for our annual snowbird adventure, Stan loved his bingo and playing cards with his fellow friends...To fly fishing and solitaire on the lake while sporting the latest New
Balances, and Columbia track outfit of the day... To tinkering in the tool shed... He was blessed with hitting his milestone of 80 last summer while welcoming his first grandson Aithan 
This man, I speak of, is my Dad. And although we drove each other nuts at times over the years, I’m so proud of him.

For his Uniqueness... Wit.. And commitment towards his family. Dad, without a doubt, you made me who I am today. And for this, I want to thank- you.
You’ve always accepted me for me despite messing up more times than I’d like to admit. And Dad, you kept faith that I would learn from my mistakes and blossom.
This Dad, I'm forever thankful for. I’m so thankful for the person you are, and no matter what, For always loving me and Loving our family, unconditionally.
Dad, I love you with all my heart and I’m going to miss you so much. It’s not the same without you but your crazy stories and for the incredible person you were will live on forever.
Dad, now it’s time to fly with the angels and be with your parents, Sandra, Shawn, and little Aithan.
From your one and only daughter.
And family.
With so much love,
Natalie”