Leon Charles Stocki

Leon Charles Stocki is survived by his children, Tami, Danny (Yvonne), Shelli, DJ, Paula, Jo-Ann (Terry). His grandchildren, Chelsey (Mike), Justin, Noel, Maya, Nolan and one great grandson Daniel. He leaves behind two sisters, Olga and Adele and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife Fay, his parents, and brothers Mike and Lawrence.

Leon was born in Tarnapol, Saskatchewan to Joe and Una Stocki. He was the oldest of five children. Growing up he loved to read and understand things and would often be found hiding out with a book instead of doing his chores.

When he graduated high school he had many different jobs, including working as an aide at a mental health hospital.  He also spent a year in a seminary. He decided neither of these were for him and enrolled in teacher’s college. His dad always supported his passion for higher education. His family sold the homestead and moved to Bowsman, Manitoba. Leon taught in various schools including Swan River. He was introduced to Fay by a fellow teacher at a student baseball game.  They met again in Bowsman and the rest they say is history. They were married on Easter Monday in 1957. While living and teaching in Manitoba, they had Tami, Danny, Shelli, and DJ. 

In 1963 they heard Alberta was looking for teachers and decided to move. They arrived in Grassland and settled down. Here they had the rest of their family Paula and Jo-Ann.

Leon taught Junior and Senior High maths, sciences, gym, and was the school counsellor for many years. But his most famous role was Coach. He coached junior and senior high girls and boys volleyball and basketball teams (sometimes all in the same year and if the kids wanted to see him we had to go to a game). Being a devoted coach he even got his bus drivers license so he could drive the teams to their games.

Later he coached Jo-Ann’s baseball team. Many of his teams often went to provincials.  He was famous for his calm demeanor even during the most nail biting games. 

Leon loved aviation and enthusiastically attended many air shows and aviation museums.  He even got his pilot’s license and shared ownership of a small plane and enjoyed taking it for a spin as often as he could.

Leon was very fair minded and always championed the underdog including many students.  He was involved with the ATA for years advocating for the profession and other teachers.  

Leon continued to be community minded after he retired from Edwin Parr Composite in Athabasca. He became a School Trustee for Aspen View and within a short time chairman of the board. He was the president of Rural Crime Watch for many years.  He taught defensive driving for years and helped many people get their driver’s license. He was a man of many talents. 

He missed Fay dearly after her passing in December of 2024. Now they are together again.

A private funeral service for the family has been held. We will celebrate Leon and Fay at a Celebration of Life at the Grassland Hall on July 20, 2025 at 2:30 pm. Please join us and bring your stories. We would love to hear them and share time with all those whose lives they touched.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Leon Charles Stocki, please visit our Tree Store.