Vance A. (Alan) Stayner, Age 67 of Sugar Grove, IL, passed away Monday morning, July 12, 2004 at Provena Mercy Center Hospital, Aurora after a courageous battle with A.L.S. (Lou Gerhig’s Disease)BORN: He was born November 3, 1936 in Elgin, IL, the son of Noel and Katherine (Meekins) Stayner. The family made their home in Barrington, IL where Vance graduated from high school.He went on to attended Kansas State University where he would later boast that he played basketball with Wilt Chamberlin when both were freshman and coached by Tex Winters. Vance then transferred to Northern Illinois University for a time before enlisting in the Air Force. There his passion for research and development made him a natural as a test pilot. While in the Air Force, Vance was involved in the development of downward ejection seats and the Atlas Agea Rocket. MARRIAGE On September 6, 1956, Vance was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Sharon Fern Evans in Wauconda, IL where they made their home until 1969 when they moved to Sugar Grove. There, Vance developed the research and development lab which lead to the creation of so many good things.EMPLOYMENT:Vance began his career in research and development at Lindsey Water Softners. Through the years that followed, his passion for research and his prolific development of products and services would find him called to work for many companies but ultimately, to work for himself. If Vance was the inventor, his sons, family and associates were the developers of his endless stream of creations. Together, they created companies to produce a wide range of products and services that can be found in virtually every household in America and in countless places around the world. Vance once said of himself, "I make "hamburger helper" for the plastics industry. Twice, his work earned him the coveted SPI World Marketing Award, a double honor he alone has achieved. Vance was also an author for the Modern Plastic Encyclopedia, and recognized world-wide as an expert on fillers and non-fibrous property enhancers. He held many patents and continued to develop new products even to his dying days. If Vance was a passionate inventor and competitor on one hand, he was a humble man with a community heart on the other. In his mind, high tech inventions could not only make life easier for people, the business of producing them could create jobs and tax revenues that improved community life as well. It was this belief that drove him in the creation of the original Sugar Grove Industrial Park, now the Heartland Industrial Park. Although, the path would be fraught with heartbreaking complications, Vance met them as a true researcher, convinced of the possibilities and committed to the process with integrity and humility. LIFE NOTES At home, Vance was a devoted husband and father and the best grandpa imaginable! Vance loved to eat and enjoyed nothing better than taking his family and friends out for a meal together. He soared on the success of his grandchildren and was the ever-present "proud grandpa in the stands". Even when ALS stole his physical strength, he more than compensated with a spirit that willed him to the games to cheer on his beloved grandchildren. SURVIVORS – In addition to his wife, Sharon, he is survived by Two sons:Stephen (Linda) Stayner of Mattawan, MI;And their family:Jason (Jenny) Stayner of Pentwater, MIAnd their baby "Katie" on the way.Stephenie Stayner of Mattawan, MILindsey Stayner of Mattawan, MIRandy Stayner of Sugar Grove, IL and his family:Brandon Stayner of Sugar Grove, Lauren Stayner of Aurora, ILThree sisters-in-lawGloria Stayner of El Cajon, CA;Esther Stayner of Dundee, ILBonnie (Barry) Sloss of LasVegas, NV.One brother-in-lawRonald (Geri) Evans of Las Vegas, NVOne aunt, Leona Wewetzer.As well as many nieces and nephews, friends and colleagues. PRECEDEDHe joins now his parents,four brothers: Marshall, Gordon, Dwight and Royce.One sister-in-law, Joanne Stayner who preceded him in deathTwo uncles, Harry Wewetzer and Henry Titus.MEMORIALSMemorials in his memory will benefit ALS research. Checks to the Vance Stayner memorial may be mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Memories and tributes may be mailed to the same address or e-mailed through the Vance Stayner Memorial at www.conleycare.com.

VISITATION - FUNERALVisitation will be held Thursday, July 15, 2004 from 4-8pm at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL His funeral service will follow on Friday, July 16 at 11am at the funeral home. The Rev. Steve Good, pastor of the Sugar Grove United Methodist Church will officiate.

Following cremation, private family committal services will later be held.