Obituary of Neil Stuart Wilson Stalker

Neil Stuart Wilson Stalker passed away February 14, 2024, in Brimfield, MA, surrounded by his family. He was born on April 12, 1923, in Melbourne, Quebec, Canada to Gladys and Stuart Stalker. Neil was raised in Springfield, MA during the depression. He attended AIC College before enlisting in the Army Air Corp. He was a WWII Veteran who served his country with the 858th Bombardment Squadron. He was stationed in England and flew many classified missions for the OSS. After the service he married Laurel A. Mastine of Asbestos Quebec, Canada. They lived in Boston while he studied architecture at Wentworth College. After college he built a house in Wilbraham where they started their family and lived until moving onto the farm in Brimfield in 1957. Neil was a talented carpenter. He worked for Springfield union and built schools and many houses. He loved to build things and invent things. His greatest passion was his dairy farm. He had always wanted to be a farmer and own land. He wanted his children to be able to run free in the country. So we, his children, four of us, lived a Walton-like life here on the farm. We can never thank him enough for his foresight, and with my mother raised us in an idyllic environment. We are Sherryl and husband Roger Pratt of Brimfield, David Stalker and Lynne Johnson of Warren, Wendy and Jan DePre of Texas, and Steven and Dawn Stalker of Tennessee. He is survived also by his beloved wife, Laurel, of 75 years, his soulmate and caretaker for many years. He will also be missed by his 10 grandchildren and many great grandchildren. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Jean Hill. A calling hour will be held at Beers and Story Palmer Funeral Home on Monday, March 11 from 10:00 AM-11 :00 AM followed by a memorial service at 11:00 AM. The burial will follow at the Brimfield Cemetery. Donations may be made in his name to Baystate Hospice c/o Sherri Langavin 30 Capital Drive, W. Springfield, MA 01089.