June Barbara Stannard

1940-2008

For more than two decades, June Stannard has been the face of the Winnemucca Convention Center. Sunday, February 17, June passed away following a long and valiant battle with cancer. She was 67.

Stannard, a native of Canada, made her way to the United States through a series of building projects with construction giant Stone & Webster, Inc. When the company built the Valmy Power Plant, located about 30 miles east of Winnemucca, she and husband Jack moved to the area to help with the project. But as they awaited the next job and the next move, June had to keep applying for jobs in order to collect unemployment benefits. She finally settled into a position with the Winnemucca Convention Center; 21 years later, she retired from the agency.

Last summer, as June prepared for a retirement reception in her honor, she said, "I have enjoyed my time and I have enjoyed trying to do a good job. That's always been important to me." June said she saw her fair share of conventions come and go over the past two decades, but she said the Superior Livestock Auction was very close to her heart. "They were just a lot of fun," she said. "They were special to me."

Before her death, June spoke about her battle with brain cancer. She said that while her future was not certain, she was certain about her love for family and friends. "I have been very blessed," she said. "It's been difficult at times, but my family has helped me so much, and my friends. If it's God's will, that's what it's going to be," she said. "But I want to make the most of what I have — and I have a lot."

Stannard leaves behind her husband, Jack, three children and five grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one son, Michael, as well as two sisters and her parents.

A memorial service was held Monday, February 25, in the East Hall Winnemucca Convention Center.