STEPHEN STOYKA

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STEPHEN STOYKA On July 23, 2007, the family and friends of Stephen (Steve) Stoyka had the opportunity to bid Steve farewell as he set off on his journey to join those family members whom have passed before him. His passing will not soon be forgotten by those he loved and by those who loved him. Many words can be used to describe Steve, just short of his own lively and colourful vocabulary which he used to critique and impress his friends and family alike. Steve was a consummate jokester throughout his life. Steve is survived by his wife M. (Ruth) Stoyka (nee: Moar), his children James (Marcie), Ken (Carol), Barb (José), Michael (Kathy [Sophie]). Papa will be sorely missed but lovingly remembered by his grandchildren: Jeff (Jess), Ramlah, Stephanie, Chenille, Kaitlyn, Mary, Brendin, Lindsay, and John. His surviving family members, Lena Petrowski (Ajax, ON), Tolly Riggs, and John Stoyka of Winnipeg, as well as Esther (Ken) Molnar (Calgary, AB). Also his sisters-in-law: Edith Quirion (Beausejour, MB), Agnes Delroy (Calgary, AB), Eileen Molnar, Audrey MacDonald, and Marlene (Larry [Mitch]) Mitchel of Winnipeg. Steve was predeceased by his father William and mother Mary (of Dauphin MB), his brother Peter, his sister Anne, as well as his two daughters Deb and Cathy. Steve served with the Royal Canadian Engineers, 11th field company 2nd division during the Second World War. He also served as a reservist in Dauphin where he and his fellow reservists were credited with helping save the life of child lost in the woods near Alonza, MB . Steve met Ruth, his lifelong love and best friend who he married in 1947. They had six children over the course of their 59 years of marriage. Steve began his career as a butter maker for Canada Packers in Dauphin, MB and became a Canadian champion two years running. They later moved to Winnipeg in 1959 in his beloved 1950 Studebaker with four children and a cat in tow. In Winnipeg, Steve worked for Canada Safeway, Crescent Creamery and lastly Manitoba Sugar as a Stationery Power Engineer. Steve was also an avid bowler and curler. The Stoyka household was a home base for his children's various friends and cousins many of whom adopted Steve as a second father. Steve was an active member of the Ukrainian Legion 141 and of the John Osborne #1 Anavets. Many thanks for the compassionate care provided by Dr. Lerner and staff of the Seven Oaks Hospital, as well as the home care staff who assisted Steve. Flowers are gratefully declined. Friends may wish to make a donation to the Seven Oaks building fund, 2300 McPhillips Street Winnipeg, MB or to The Children's Wish Foundation. A celebration of Steve's life is to be held for his family and friends on Friday, July 27th, 1:00 p.m. at The John Osborne #1 Anavets, 300 - 1395 Ellice Ave. Entrance on Empress Street (across from the Wal Mart Empress entrance). neil bardal inc 949-2200 www.nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 26, 2007