I am very sorry to only just learn of the death of Stan.  In April 2017 I spent a silent weekend at St.Beuno’s where Stan was my spiritual director. He will be remembered as a very patient, kind, wise and compassionate servant of Jesus.  I was trying to decide whether or not to go into full time ministry. Stan was brilliant at helping me in  my journey. I am now a Pastor-in-training in South London. I am blessed to have known him, even for such a short time.     …

You never forget the person who accompanies you through the 30 days. Stan, to me, was an embodiment of grace. He was a truly merciful person. He saw people with such a presupposition of their gorgeous createdness, that it helps a person see their own glory too. I’m not sure Stan really looked with that lens at himself- he was a shocking brusher-off of compliments! But I have learned more from his generous and spacious listening than I have from any book on the subject. His quietness was a pool of clear water, a cleansing and revealing and thirst-quenching quietness. I feel his loss keenly, but his presence will not soon go. I will always be grateful that I knew Stan.  …

What a lovely man and priest.  He will be so much missed. I gave him a hug on the day I left St Beuno’s in early March, and then panicked that I might have infected him with this new infection which we were just learning about. He had been so kind to me, during my visit. …

Dear Stan, Your fidelity to our compassionate and ever-present God has always been a model for me and for many of your confreres across the world. We know how disappointed you were that you could not return to Africa; it was another of your many sufferings. But you did not abandon hope in God who is love. Your own suffering opened your heart to the suffering of others, for whom you always had such great patience and empathy. Through your pain and, some would think, your crucifixion, you have brought many to Resurrection. Surely, that is what you enjoy now. Thank you so much for what you have given to so many and to me. Terry …

Paul, my husband, and I had encountered Stan around St Beuno’s many times before I had the privilege of having him as a spiritual director. I found in him a genuine and constantly encouraging “presence”. I learned so much from him and I feel very humbled by this. It has been a real privilege to have had the benefit of his wisdom over these past few months as I got to know him even better when he telephoned me weekly following my being extremely ill and in hospital with the covid virus. I find it difficult to find the right words to express the real sense of loss that I feel at this time and yet that seems somewhat selfish and I can see Stan’s wry smile and hear a gentle admonition as I write this. Yet his was always a look filled with such kindness and a lack of judgment. I picture him especially as he came along the corridor towards the Woodland Chapel at St Beuno’s and remember so well the many occasions that I encountered him there – a gentle very down-to-earth presence for everyone. It is so hard to imagine St Beuno’s and that corridor …

Stan was a truly outstanding priest, friend and colleague.  Over many years working alongside him as a visiting director at St. Beuno’s I learned hugely to value his calm good sense, his humour, humility and extraordinary courage.  He was a shrewd and compassionate supervisor from whom I learned a great deal.  He had a beautiful and understated way of celebrating the Mass which was always deeply impressive, and he never took himself too seriously! I often disussed issues around my own questions and struggles in religious life with him and he sometimes shared his own – they showed someone who lived his religious life with great dedication as well as a good deal of horse sense and an entire lack of illusion… I shall miss him greatly when I go back to St. Beuno’s, but look forward to seeing him again in our Father’s house.  May he rest in peace and rise in glory.   Gemma cj …

Praying especially today when the White Fathers and family of Fr Stan will gather together for his Requiem. Remembering too the community of St Beuno’s who will deeply mourn such a gifted priest and courageous caring friend. Stan was a compassionate and gentle confessor. His celebration of Mass was always a grace filled encounter. In thanksgiving for all he generously gave to so many. May he indeed rest in peace and rise in glory.  …

Fr Stan was my spiritual director on the first retreat I did at St Bueno’s a couple of years ago. I loved him. He was so kind, patient, understanding and had a great sense of humour.  I was so sorry to hear that he had died. But I am sure he will be continuing to pray for us all. And I look forward to meeting him again one day – no longer with the illness he suffered with such grace.    …

As so many my memories of Fr. Stan are centred around St. Beuno’s. From his homilies to moments where I spoke to him personally he gentleness, care, patience and good humour have helped so much on my journey.  I pray with you all in gratitude for his life and with all those who will miss him.   Thank you. …

I am Stan’s sister Allison. On behalf of my sister Joyce and myself can I say how much of a comfort it has been over this past week to read all of the lovely messages about our wonderful brother Stan. It has helped a lot to know he has touched so many lives. We have a hole in our life at present but know he is with mum and dad and our Lord. It helps to know so many people loved our brother.  …