Stanley Sunderland, age 86, died on November 16 at his home in Stanton. As a member of the Project and Relief custodial crew, Stan could make the rare claim to have worked in every building on Carleton’s campus. He was hired in December 1975 and worked first as the custodian in the Music and Drama Center and later in Leighton and Laird. He retired in 1998 after a second assignment with the Project and Relief crew. Stan is remembered for his sense of humor and deep dedication to his family.
Along with many at the time, Stan was involved in the 6 ½ week-long union employee strike in the fall of 1980. He is quoted saying, “I really felt good when I came back and people told us they can’t do it without us.” (Carletonian, 11/7/1980). Indeed, Stan’s 23 years of hard work at Carleton was greatly appreciated by students, faculty, and staff.
The family’s more complete obituary is on the Bierman Funeral Home website. A service was held at Bierman Funeral home on November 26.
Comments
Stan was working in Leighton where I started my first job at Carleton. His bark was worse than his bite and I think he surprised people with his soft side. Beneath that sometimes scowling face was a big smile.
Stan used to stop by to chat when I worked in the Dean's Office in Laird. We used to talk about the happenings in Stanton and the goose that his wife kept on his front porch and changed outfits on it for every season and holiday. He was one of those salt-of-the-earth types and I missed our conversations when he retired! Will always be remembered fondly.