the gang over at Classic Camp Stoves post these "it works it works!!" stories every month or so.Coleman stoves,the two burner suit case models,left in the basement by Granddad are found and fire right up.white gas Optimus stoves like the 123 or 71 also get good marks for lighting and running after years of neglect.
thats something to think about when you choose a stove to put away in a home or car kit.
Coleman fuel itself also is said to last "forever" even in stove tanks and forever plus if still in the can.