Newspaper Article 1994 – Stationery firm founder dies, 88

Stationery firm founder dies, 88

A “lovable hardcase rogue” who cheated death on many occasions while squeezing the last drop out of life died in Hastings on Tuesday. He was 88.

Percy Stanton, founder of the Karamu Rd stationery business that bears his name, was a hard-working businessman who was still out on the road selling after his “retirement” at 80.

He was also a Christian who breezed into a different church each week, a lover of travel, swimming, diving, jokes and fun. His family remembers him with humour.

Swimming in the crocodile-infested waters of Papua New Guinea while helping missionaries build houses, bathing in the Waikato River while camping in his car at Taupo, diving off a ship into the Suez Canal, a stint waiting on tables in Pasadena, and a car accident (not in his twin-carburettor Mini bought in his 70s) where a load of splattered tomato sauce caused other family members to hold their breaths, are evidence that Mr Stanton was not afraid to test boundaries.

A penchant for daredevil diving had him invited to leave the Havelock North Baths when he dived into the pool from the grandstand and the Aquatic Centre after “fooling around” on the high-diving board.

Mr Stanton told his five children in a note recently not to waste money bringing back his body from Papua New Guinea if he died on the mission field.

He outlived nine of his 13 brothers and sisters, all shareholders in their father Lorenzo Stanton’s stationery business in Dunedin. Percy bought out his share in 1955 and started the Hastings business.

Mr Stanton has lived at Waiapu House Anglican Aged Care Home since his wife, Elaine, died 18 months ago.

The family dynasty passes on, with Mr Stanton’s grandchildren working in the business. His wishes for a “bright, fun” funeral will be fulfilled tomorrow at the Havelock North Gospel Chapel.

Photo caption – Mr Stanton