Stacey Allan was born in Chesley on Monday, June 19, 1972, to proud parents Terry and Anne (McKinnon) Klages. He was the third eldest of four boys, joining older siblings Mike and Neil, with younger brother Chris making the family complete in 1976. The Klages resided on Stacey’s great-grandparents’ farm, north of Dobbinton on Bruce Rd. 10. The boys enjoyed everything life on the farm had to offer. Stacey’s father, Terry, was a passionate outdoorsman and introduced the boys to both fishing as well as hunting at a young age. Hunting was not for Stacey, so instead, he focused his energy on fishing. Let’s just say he was hooked… (sorry, I couldn’t resist), and his passion for everything fishing had begun. More on that later!

The Klages boys attended Arran Tara Elementary School. In 1985, while Stacey was in Grade 7, Terry and Anne made the difficult decision to relocate their family to Newtonville to follow Terry and his job. Here, Stacey finished his public school and high school education. But Grey Bruce was always considered home, as Stacey spent the summer months working on Darryl Klages’ dairy farm. He went on to spend the summer months planting trees for the Saugeen Conservation Authority before becoming a summer student at Saugeen Bluffs. Upon graduation from high school, Stacey enrolled at Guelph University for, you guessed it, a bachelor’s degree in fisheries biology.

Unfortunately, jobs with the MNR were scarce during this period, so Stacey found work in another industry. He soon began working at TSC in Owen Sound and in the fifteen years following, became a member of the management team. In the early 90’s, Stacey reconnected with an elementary classmate by the name of Krista Louise Steinacker, through mutual friends. The teenagers soon began dating and married six years later, on Saturday, June 7, 1997, at the Steinacker residence near Tara. The newlyweds first settled in Allenford, where their family soon began to grow with the arrival of Kendra in May of 2000. The family then moved to Tara. Becoming a father was a huge highlight in Stacey’s life, and their family was made complete with the arrival of Tyler in December of 2004. Family time was always important to Stacey, and this was not just limited to time with Krista and the kids. He enjoyed visiting and helping his parents whenever there was a need, as well as his brothers and their families. As we all know, the Klages clan is not small, so any family holiday or gathering was always a great time to reconnect and catch up with others. Back at home, Stacey liked to keep busy with jobs around the house, particularly outdoors. He also enjoyed taking Kendra and Tyler on their fair share of fishing adventures; however, as most of us know, fishing with kids can often be challenging, as it usually does not include a lot of action. Stacey could often be found fishing on the Southampton pier in the early months of the year. He also liked salmon fishing in Georgian Bay, as well as testing the water around Bruce Power. All these adventures were on top of his annual Spring week-long fishing trip to Lunge Bay, with family and friends, and September trips to Pierre’s cottage on the Quebec border. No matter the season, there was always a type of fish that had Stacey’s attention. As an avid fisherman, I am told the Klages ate their fair share of fish. However, I am told Stacey’s meal of choice was steak! Stacey was not a reader, but he always had the latest Ontario OUT of DOORS magazine nearby to peruse!

Together as a family, they enjoyed many adventures, but a highlight would have been their family trip to Florida in 2012. Back at home, Stacey enjoyed his music, with the likes of ACDC, Tragically Hip, Guns N’Roses, and a variety of country artists. When it came to television, documentaries and history-oriented programming piqued his interest, with shows like Yellowstone and 1883, being recent favourites. Stacey also had a soft spot for Chevrolet Trucks, buying his most recent only seven weeks ago. Although Stacey detested the colour red, his new truck was burgundy, as that aligned with Krista’s favourite colour. Just one story, to show you the type of guy Stacey was. He always thought about others, and their likes and wants of others before his own. An attribute was should all strive to do a bit more!

In 2010, Stacey joined the team at Square Deal Neil’s in Southampton. The Sinclairs saw Stacey as an extension of their family, a valuable member of their team. Through the last fifteen years, he grew with the business and could fill a variety of roles. He will be truly missed by his work family and all his customers.

In recent years, Stacey faced a handful of health challenges – unfortunately, a part of aging that we would all rather forego. He took these adversities in stride and, along with his family, made changes in his life, looking for ways to continue to improve his day-to-day life. There were progresses and setbacks, but no one saw the events of Tuesday, April 22nd coming. Stacey awoke and did not feel well, and within minutes collapsed with little anyone could do. He passed surrounded by his loving family at the young age of 52. Stacey’s sudden death has sent shockwaves through our small community. Sadly, there are many questions but few answers. Thankfully, we can rely on our family, friends and community for support during these difficult times. More importantly, don’t take anything for granted, say “I love you” often, and give your child or loved one that hug or kiss when you see them. If we can learn anything from Stacey’s untimely death, please remember that we are all guaranteed today, but not tomorrow! Live every day to the fullest!

Beloved husband of Krista (Steinacker). Loving father of Kendra Klages (Aidan Richards) of Toronto, and Tyler Klages, at home. Cherished son of Anne (McKinnon) Klages of Chesley and son-in-law of Peter and Faye (McTavish) Steinacker of Tara. Dear brother of Mike (Lori) of R.R. #2 Desboro, Neil (Becky) of Hanover, and Chris (Natasha) of Chesley. Stacey will be fondly remembered by many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. He was predeceased by his father, Terry Klages, and his brother-in-law, Duane Steinacker.

A casual, come and go celebration of Stacey’s life will be held at the Tara Legion on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 2 – 5 p.m. Private interment in Hillcrest Cemetery, Tara.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Ontario Federation of Anglers & Hunters or the Chesley Hospital Foundation would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.