Well known St. John’s grocer Stan Caines has died. He was 77.

Anyone who met Stan Caines will recall he always had a smile on his face as he worked around his family’s store in downtown St. John’s.

For almost seven decades, the Caines name was synonymous with the east end of Duckworth Street. Stan Caines’ grandfather, Robert, started it way back in 1934 when he opened a soda shop and fruit stand. According to family members, shortly after, he expanded to include groceries – and the rest is history.

Robert’s son, Eric took over the business and eventually, in 1983, Stan became the third generation owner of the well known grocery and confectionery – or groc and conf as they are affectionately known.

The store remained in the family until 2003 when Stan and his wife, Fredi, made the difficult decision to sell. The new owners kept the name on the sign out front, but for the first time in 69 years a Caines did not own the establishment.

Stan Caines passed away on March 12th. A celebration of his life was held this past Sunday in Fermuse.