Stacey Wayne Nadeau

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Mr. Stacey Nadeau on December 15, 2024 at the age of 53 years. His passing was a shock and took our breath away, it is something no mother or any loved ones should have to hear. I will mourn my only child, only son for the rest of my days on earth. He had so much life ahead of ahead of him and he’s gone at the age of 53.

Stacey went to school in Hines Creek. The kids at school would tease him and call him, “Nado-Potato”. He couldn’t wait to set out and get his first job, which was in heli-portable drilling. Flying in helicopters made him nervous as he was somewhat afraid of heights and flying in fog and bad weather conditions. Stacey survived a helicopter crash flying with his boss who was the pilot. His boss’ leg was severely injured; Stacey, running under the still-rotating blades, found his boss and made a tourniquet from whatever he could find and wrapped it around his injury, preventing his boss from bleeding out. He ended up saving his boss’ life, which was quite a feat for Stacey at a young age in his 20’s. He rarely spoke about this event, as it must have been very traumatic for him, but it had been documented on the news. Working for this company is also when the first of his (at least) two very serious automobile accidents took place. He’s suffered injuries that put him in the hospital, from a cracked pelvis to broken arms, shoulder issues, and much more.

While working near Rocky Mountain House, approximately 7 crew members and a young driver hit a dead-end approach; bodies went flying everywhere, and Stacey’s best friend passed away beside him. Stacey couldn’t walk as he had a cracked pelvis, but he needed to stay warm, so he crawled around gathering tree branches to make a fire for all not freeze to death until help arrived. As I understand it, this took place in the late hours. Eventually help arrived and some were transported to the Red Deer Hospital, others to Edmonton. Stacey came home in the back of a vehicle laying down. He had to learn to walk again with the help of crutches.

Stacey had never been married, but recently he had been saying that he wanted to get married so he wouldn’t be living in sin. He loved hunting wild chickens and being in the bush. Stacey knew I enjoyed wild chicken breast, and the odd time would bring some to share. He was often joined in the woods by his beloved dog Smoky. He had a heart for animals, especially dogs, and children liked him. Stacey also loved fishing, and I also recall us going fishing together in his younger days. He had a funny way of saying things and as a child he would say, “Mom, you’re a good cooker.” He was also recently learning to play guitar, and inherited his mom’s love of music. This summer, we enjoyed the Carolyn Dawn Johnson and Clint Black concert together in Dawson Creek, AB.  

When it came to shooting, Stacey was a ‘dead-eyed-dick’. He was an excellent shot and could hit right on target even with his left hand. While picking agates in the woods with Char, they happened upon a black bear who was coming right for Char. Thinking quick, Stacey ran back for the gun. With only one shell, he got back in time just as the bear was about to charge Char. He hit his target between the eyes, and down it went, saving her life.  

When it comes to survival in the bush, I don’t think anyone could beat him, he always knew what to do. This past summer, Stacey had an encounter with a grizzly bear; he was out in the bush when a mother and cub appeared. If it weren’t for the neighbor showing up unexpectedly in his pickup truck with two dogs, Stacey would have been gone back then. He was often a risk taker, thinking he would always come through - which he did most of his life.

Stacey was very good with the power saw and working with wood. Recently, he had been cutting Spruce and Poplar at the farm and had been bitten by a bug. The bite became infected and caused him many problems, I believe he could have contracted Lyme Disease which if not treated can cause facial paralysis and numbness, but he refused to go to the hospital so it’s not positive.

He was a little too brave in certain areas (especially in the bush) and was a high-strung and energetic individual; he never could sit still very long. He loved nice clothes, the colours red and burgundy, driving, and going out walking - he did a lot of that. He had an interest in selling vehicles, which is hard to get off the ground when you don’t have extra funds to start. He could also work very hard, but he had developed an enlarged heart and didn’t know it. Stacey would tire quickly and sleep for hours. He was awaiting testing in Edmonton in January for his extensive health issues and it is likely his enlarged heart caused a heart attack resulting in his passing, we hope that the autopsy will reveal answers for us.

Stacey is survived by his mother Barb; father Wayne; children Kyle, twins Patrick and Mataya, Page, and Kira; long-time friend Char and her children Aden and Gage; aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents on both sides, as well as his great-grandmother, and many friends.

He was predeceased by grandparents on both sides including his Grandpa Jim Bouma who passed of a massive heart attack at the same age as Stacey; as well as aunties, and his stepmother.

A viewing and Celebration of Stacey’s Life will take place at Peace Valley Funeral Home Fairview on Friday, January 3, 2025 at 2:00 PM.

Stacey had been through a lot in his 53 years of living – the good, the bad, and the ugly, you could say. Yet, he never complained too much and always wore a smile. He missed his friends who passed before him dearly, and he will also be remembered and missed.

Care entrusted to Peace Valley Funeral Home (Kristi Heck) 780.835.3306 www.peacevalleyfuneral.ca.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Stacey Wayne Nadeau, please visit our Tree Store.