Stan went home to be with his Lord on October 1, 2025, peacefully in his sleep. He was born to Henry and Louisa on August 26, 1924, in beautiful Victoria B.C. He was the last Hitchman standing out of siblings Gladys, Harry, Evelyn, Edie and Dorothy and predeceased by his precious Eileen in 2015. He is survived by children Nancy (Norm), Vicki (Phil) and Brent (Patti), 6 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
Stan and Eileen were married in 1948 after the war where he served as an airplane mechanic. In 1946 he and Henry Saunders opened a gas station, then service station and finally the first Toyota dealership on Vancouver Island known as ‘Saunders and Hitchman’. Along with being in the car business, Stan and Henry sponsored the Saanich Braves minor hockey for many seasons, and Stan was president of the Automotive Retailers Association for a year.
Besides being involved in the business arena, he loved serving Jesus. You could find him directing the city-wide Youth Challenge Choir or being a part of the Ambassadors Quartet. Or you may find him at Camp Imadene, directing boys’ camps and being a key player in erecting a brand-new dining hall and auditorium in Maple Bay B.C. Or possibly travelling across Canada and the U.S. with evangelist Barry Moore as choir director.
After he left the car business, he and Eileen served on the board of Wiseways Preschool, a ministry out of Lambrick Park church, which was their loving church community for so many years. When he had the chance, he would go fishing. Out on the ocean, where he loved to be, he found the solitude to balance the life that was so full.
In 2016, he was slowed down by a stroke but lived out 9 more years, most recently at The Heights at Carey Road. We are forever grateful to the staff and caregivers there for taking care of Stan, Dad and Bubba so well.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, November 8th, 2025, at Friendship Community Church, 7820 Central Saanich Road, Saanichton B.C.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Youth Unlimited – team members Sam & Rita Rowland.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Hitchman” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Pete Lewis
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Linda Weakes Hi Vicki and Family,
I didn’t know your father personally but felt like I knew him from the many stories about him from our get togethers. His loving, faithful legacy will be remembered and missed but I’m sure he’s waiting for all of you with open arms beside his Creator! May The Lord be with you as you celebrate his wonderful life following Jesus.
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Doug and Phyllis Day Nancy, sincere condolences to you and your family on the loss of your dad. “With Jesus, which is far better”.
Doug and Phyllis Day
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Donald Wakeham Dear Nancy, Vicki and Brent, my sincere condolences at this sad occasion of your father’s passing.
I remember your family well, as you lived on Vista Bay Road, and ours on the corner of Crestview and Vista Bay. May laughs and memories.
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Lorraine Lindsay The first few months of 1964 I was trying to earn a free week at Camp Imadene by memorizing Scripture. One Sunday I was told to go say my verses to the Sunday School superintendent. When I finished, he smiled and said, “Lorraine, that was perfect – but it was the wrong chapter.” Just as I was wishing the floor would open up and swallow me, he said, “But since you said them perfectly, I’m going to give you the credit.” And that’s when I fell in love with Mr. Stan Hitchman. I had 4 godly men in my childhood that served as excellent role models: Mr. Walter Carter, Mr. Bill McKinnon, Mr. Jim Bryden and Mr. Stan Hitchman. I look forward to seeing them all again someday in heaven. Thank you, Mr. Hitchman, for being such a wonderful reflection of Christ here on earth.
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Byron Woods Dear Nancy, Vicki, Brent and family,
Having known Stan for more than 64 years, I am sharing your sense of loss. Throughout literally every stage of my life he was a role model of tireless service for Jesus, from cabin leader at boys camp to beloved elder, friend and mentor.
Stan was a generous gift to all of us, and I feel deeply privileged to join you in giving thanks for his lovely life.
God bless and comfort you with each cherished memory!
Sad to read of Stan’s passing. He and Eileen were amazing supporters during my time on staff with YFC Victoria.
Being at Lambrick Park Church at the same time, Stan would always check in on a regular basis wanting to know what was happening with the kids.
Our community was blessed to have a man of great character like Stan.