ARMIN H. STOJKE

Condolences & Memories (40 entries)

• Met Mr. Stojke in 1971 same time as poster Sandy Whiteford, who said it better than I could ever attempt: "I became much more impressed with his humanity, his compassion and caring for those of every size and background. Armin made every one feel better about themselves and did so in a most unselfish and giving manner." Thank You Mr. Stojke, after 50 years, your kindness has never been forgotten - that is your Legacy. - Posted by: Dave Simpson (Fellow Bodybuilder in Vaughan St. YMCA Dungeon ) on: Aug 16, 2021

• An amazing man. Like all the stories before mine, Armin was a true inspiration in the gym. I first met Armin when I joined the central YMCA when they had their weight room in the basement - in the 80's. Quick to help when asked, we could only marvel at Armin's strength for an "old guy". His signature exercise that I still do to this day, was his back hyper extensions with 1 or 2 - 45lb plates behind his head. I've only ever been able to do 1 plate. He was like this kind, huggable giant that everybody loved. Will be sorely missed. - Posted by: Luke Kandia (Friend) on: Oct 06, 2014

• I came to know Armin through our shared use of the gym facilities at 17 Wing. I always looked forward to our conversations of shared experience and some humour. I miss him there - his death was so unexpected. - Posted by: Marc Rittinger (Gym acquaintance) on: Oct 12, 2012

• My fondest memory of Armin was his kindness and decency with younger kids. He had a motorcycle and gave us a ride on it without even batting an eye. He was known as a really kind, decent guy to all the teenagers who knew him many years ago. Everyone loved Armin. - Posted by: Ruth Jones (Antonation) (Aquaintance) on: Jul 24, 2012

• Uncle Armin was a man I always looked up to. From a young boy I always wanted to be big and strong Uncle Armin. One day in 2002 or so, my dream came true and I had an opportunity to actually work out with him at Premiere Fitness on McPhillips.(I think that was the name)I was actually nervous before and throughout the work out as I did not want to disappoint him some how. Will never forget you Uncle Armin - Posted by: Robert Burns (Close Family Friend) on: Jul 18, 2012

• I met Armin at the Y in 1970. I was a little High School Kid and Man Oh Man was I ever impressed with the size and strength of Armin Stojke. Later when I came to know Armin better, I became much more impressed with his humanity, his compassion and caring for those of every size and background. Armin made every one feel better about thenmselves and did so in a most unselfish and giving manner. Armin did not want your vote or your money, only your friendship. I will miss you Armin, rest easy. - Posted by: Sandy Whiteford (Friend) on: Jul 11, 2012

• Our deepest sympathy goes out to Angie and family. Even though we left Winnipeg 33 years ago for Saskatoon we still had occasional visits to your lovely home and we exchanged Christmas and New Year wishes annually. I shared many years of workouts at the Y.M.C.A. gym with Armin and old friends. I still remember Armin putting me through a complete combat shooting round with his service revolver at the Fort Garry range. We had many wonderful New Year parties with all the workout buddies and their partners. We even had a chance to share some walleye fillets from Wannipego Lake a few years back. I consider him a good and sincere friend whom I will miss dearly. Till we meet again. God bless Armin, from your old friend Ted - Posted by: (Ted) Tivadar Wallentiny ( Old Friend ) on: Jul 11, 2012

• Armin was one of a kind. He had a stature and presence that strangers could find intimidating but for all that knew him, he really was a gentle giant. I knew Armin for his love of the outdoors. We hunted many times together in the western part of the province. With Armin it wasn’t about filling his tag, it was all about the comradery and just being in the out of doors. Armin didn’t worry or even seem to care about bagging his deer, he just loved being out there! Once the rifles were put away the stories would start and Armin had many, many of them. I miss those times but will always cherish the memories. Angie and Billy, you must stay strong, grieve as you may but as you read all these comments, from all of these people, Armin really was one of a kind. - Posted by: Darrell Flett (Friend) on: Jul 10, 2012

• To All Armin's Family, it is hard to believe the passing of such a big, but gentle guy. I know all members of the Dive unit learned a lot from Armin. And a tribute to him that the Dive Unit is such that it is today. Many a person is indebted to what he has started and this baby he nutured will continue to grow and will be just one of his many legacies. I will miss your smile with that ever present piece of lumber sticking out of your mouth. RIP Dive brother and friend. - Posted by: Larry Bailey (WPS Diver Retired) on: Jul 09, 2012

• My deepest condolences to Armins family. he was without a doubt one of the most sincere, friendly, caring individuals on this earth. Always a friendly "hello" and a genuine interest in others. Armin will be deeply missed. - Posted by: Gary Dovzuk (Friend and co-worker) on: Jul 09, 2012

• My eyes fill with tears as my heart goes out to you Angie and Bill. I feel privileged to have been blessed with knowing Armin. My father, Henry, was very close to him, and I heard many stories of their exploits together in the 1950s. They had a strong friendship which continued to their passing. My father said thank-you. It was so timely and lovely that Armin called the week before my father passed, and only 2 weeks before Armin's own admission into the hospital! Thanks to God that you and Bill had the time together with Armin during that precious time in the hospital. What a blessing and a gift! My sister had a dream that Armin and my dad met on a road in heaven, greeted each other with big smiles, and began walking together. They were both young again. Would have been better if they had been on their motorcycles again though! Armin has now gone home to be with the Lord and will be missed tremendously by those of us left behind as we grieve over his loss, yet we await our own glad reunion. Blessings and Peace to you both, Angie & Bill, and all who have lost a precious friend and loved family member in Armin. Philip Wiebe - Posted by: Philip Wiebe ((son of a close friend)) on: Jul 09, 2012

• We are so sorry for the loss of our good friend Armin. We have spent many good times together. We both had cottages at Lac Du Bonnet & lots of good memories. Our thoughts & prayers go out to Angie & Bill. Love John & Arlene Burns - Posted by: John &Arlene Burns (Friend) on: Jul 09, 2012

• You are like my little brother Armin, I will miss you very much. We have had a lot of great memories spanning the decades. All my love to Ang & Billy at this time. - Posted by: Dorothy (Dot) Loewen (Friend since he moved to Winnipeg in the 50's) on: Jul 08, 2012

• I am sorry to hear of the passing of Armin. It was just five weeks ago that we had dinner together at the army navy at our YMCA reunion which Armin started this reunion four years ago. Armin also started Christmas reunions many years ago for the YMCA guys where we would all meet for dinner at the Hungarian resturant. Armin sure loved his Hungarian Goulash. After we would meet at a local bar where many of the YMCA guys would drop in and have a Christmas drink. It seemed like the same few guys were left at the end of the night singing Christmas carols and having a lot of fun even though none of us could sing. My sympathy goes out to Angie and Billy. - Posted by: Doug Black (Friend) on: Jul 08, 2012

• Angie and Bill, I am very sorry for your loss, I know there are no words I can say that will take away your sorrow, but you must know how special Armin was to all fellow police officers and divers, he was the best of the best. 5 bells passed and repeated diver Armin, time to go home. - Posted by: Cameron Jones (Friend and fellow diver) on: Jul 08, 2012

• Armin & Angie were our neighbours at Lee River for several years. They were both kind-hearted and friendly people, who were always willing to stop by for a chat. Armin, despite his size, was a soft-spoken man who was willing to lend a helping hand when needed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Angie and the family. - Posted by: Don and Carolyn Halbert (Friend & Neighbour From Lee River) on: Jul 07, 2012

• My "Gentle Giant" cousin.....Whenever I was around him, you could always feel his sincere love emanating from within. I'm so glad that I got to see him last August at my sister Hilda's funeral. And I was young when he lived with us on the farm, but I have a treasured pic of him, my brother Gerry (his age), and me all holding shotguns. What a hoot! ANGIE, my "shoulder" is here for you, anytime. Please don't hesitate, as I don't know what I would have done without my loyal friends and relatives in the past nearly 4 years since Jim stepped into glory! You will be in my thoughts specifically at 11 AM on Monday.....Love, T - Posted by: Trudi Stigge (cousin ) on: Jul 07, 2012

• I was Armin's next door neighbor on Manchester Boulevard in the 60s. He was a friendly and kind person who always took time for a chat to get caught up on life and the family. He showed consistent good humour and always showed interest and concern for others whenever I met him over the years. I am happy he had a fulfilling life and I know he was treasured and now he will be sorely missed. The family is in my prayers. - Posted by: Edward Labossiere (acquaintance) on: Jul 07, 2012

• Big Teddy Bear, great husband father and co worker. Enjoyed knowing and working with Armin as well the memories of camping at Rushing River with Armin Angie and Billie. Will miss the big guy - Posted by: Blake and Barb Dunn (co worker) on: Jul 06, 2012

• My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time -- the unexpected passing of your dad. Hugs, Colleen Olafson - Posted by: Colleen Olafson (Friend of Bill and Kristie) on: Jul 06, 2012

• Armin was a wonderful man and terrific police officer. He will be missed by all who knew him. Rest in peace. - Posted by: William (Bill) Bell (Winnipeg Police Co-worker) on: Jul 06, 2012

• God bless you angie! What a wonderful man your husband was. I had the pleasure of watching Armin dead lift 600# at the old Y downtown with Ed Ryan, Vic Meder, Doug Black,Then off to the local establishment for a few bubblies, just to replenish the fluids of course! A true gentle giant in all respects. Take Care Buddy. - Posted by: Peter Humble (Friend) on: Jul 06, 2012

• My deepest sympathy to the Stojke family. Armin and I were friends for a long time. I was privileged to have been his Tag Team partner in wrestling in the late fifties/early sixties and we were called: “Frenchie Goulet and Mr. Clean”. Armin was a decent and delightful man. I will miss our visits in Winnipeg and our telephone conversations since my relocating to Peachland, BC. Armin was a giant of a man and a good friend to have. I could go on and on, but for now, I will miss you my good friend. Leo (Lionel) Goulet Peachland, BC - Posted by: LIONEL GOULET (Good personal friend) on: Jul 06, 2012

• Yes, he was big and tough but had such gentleness overall in his character and a heart of gold. We will always treasure memories of fun loving Armin as he hung out with our brother in younger years, and frequently came to party with their city "buddies" at our place in St. Jean, often on their motorcycles....good memories... Their friendship lasted through the years and we enjoyed seeing him and Angie at various special occasions and family gatherings. We are so sorry to hear about your great loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Angie and Billy. - Posted by: The Gregoire Family (long-time friends) on: Jul 06, 2012

• Sorry to hear about your loss. Armin could best be described as a "fair man" to all. He will be sadly missed. - Posted by: Barry Frailick (Friend and Co Worker ) on: Jul 06, 2012

• What can I say about my friend that has not been said by all the other comments from those who were involved with him during his varied undertakings. A Giant of a man I will miss you my friend. - Posted by: Joseph Michaels Nanaimo BC (Friend and wrestling buddy for more years than I can remember) on: Jul 06, 2012

• So sorry to hear of your loss. Armin was such a friendly man, opening the door for us every morning at the gym. He will be missed. - Posted by: Bonita Gervais (Friend) on: Jul 06, 2012

• Angie, I'm so very sorry to hear of your loss. Armin was a wonderful man to touch the hearts of all he met. - Posted by: Shelley Ormondroyd (Friend and Student) on: Jul 06, 2012

• My deepest sympathy goes out to Angie and the family. I have lost an old and great friend of over 40 yrs. You rest in peace my friend as I will always remember the days gone by. - Posted by: Lyle Moffatt (Friend) on: Jul 06, 2012

• I was so sorry to hear of Armin's passing. He was a very special man and he will also hold a special place in my heart. We had many good times working together and I considered him a friend. Even after he retired, I thought of Armin and his family often. My deepest sympathies to you, Angie, and your family - Posted by: Marla Heck (Co-worker, WPS) on: Jul 06, 2012

• Armin was a great and wonderful man with nothing bad to say about anyone. He was a former partner of mine in District #6 and I always felt safe in his company. He was a dedicated police officer and always had time to treat the younger officers with respect and offered to help them if they needed it. He will be missed by his countless friends in the police community. Rest in peace big guy. - Posted by: Terry McGregor (Retired police officer) on: Jul 06, 2012

• Please accept my deepest sympathies...one of the biggest tributes to a member of the Police Service is that the member is a "Gentleman" Armin was a true "Gentleman" liked and respected by all - Posted by: Jim Bromley (former colleague on WPS) on: Jul 06, 2012

• Armin will be greatly missed at the 17 wing gym. He was an inspiration to us, he was not in the greatest health but yet he still came every week. We will miss Armin being the "doorman" when the gym doors opened at 6 am. God Bless - Posted by: Rick Larose (Gym Buddie) on: Jul 06, 2012

• Armin was a friend of my dad's and an idol to me. He taught me to dive. He was a genuine role model. I would go to the gym after evening shift and he would show up at the gym to work out at about 4 AM. I would see him occasionally from time to time, he still chewed a toothpick and called me "Timmy." A few months ago I was with a few young officers and walked into the Headingly Grill. Mr.Stojke was seated at a booth putting ketchup on his meal. I stopped to talk to him. He looked in great shape (he had a setback a few years earlier) I was always impressed with his commitment, he had just finished a workout at the base gym. We talked about the things that remained the same and the things that have changed at work, and laughed the whole time (because despite our best efforts things still need fixing). I told him we needed to repaint the Lund we bought off him thirty years ago. I tried again to pry his scuba regulator from him (I learned to dive with it in Police and Pal). One of the young guys bought his breakfast after I apparently spent the whole time explaining who Mr. Stojke was. My dad described Armin as an immensely strong man who was a trusted and respected cop. He held bench press records in the 1960s. When I watched him working out in the gym I would only hope to have a touch of that drive. He was very strong, and a gentleman. The gyms could attract some who do not like the police, but even those characters would speak of hoping to be like Armin. He was an inspiration and his memory will continue to inspire. Good-bye Mr.Stojke I will miss you - Posted by: Tim Diack (Friend, Co-worker, fan.) on: Jul 06, 2012

• Armin was unique in every way. He was big and tough on the outside, with an imposing stature that could easily have been used to intimidate anyone, except for his gentle approach, soft voice and overwhelming concern for people that radiated from his every movement and spoken word. His heavenly hosts will quickly recognize this man's worth and reward him for the person he was to those who knew and loved him. - Posted by: Lawrence and Trudy klippenstein (Friend and former co-worker) on: Jul 05, 2012

• Although we have lived in B.C. for over 25 years, Mary and I have brilliant memories of wonderful times with Angie and Armin. New Year celebrations at the house on Manchester Blvd. where Armin's dear mother cooked some marvellous food. A great weekend at Black Sturgeon Lake, and many visits together. Armin was a champion at everything he did, whether it be weight lifting, wrestling, scuba diving, or being a fine policeman. His forming the Underwater Search and Recovery Unit in Fort Garry was a huge accomplishment and a significant plus to society and the amalgamated Winnipeg Police Service. I first knew Armin from the Central YMCA, before we became policemen. A few of us, from the gym, joined police forces and would remain close friends. It was an honour knowing Armin. He will be unforgettable to his loved ones, friends, colleagues and those who admired this true gentleman. Mary and I wish to pass on our deepest sympathy to his beloved Angie and dear son Billy. Mary & Dick Hickling - Posted by: Richard & Mary Hickling (friend and colleague) on: Jul 05, 2012

• Wir moechten der Familie von Armin Stojke, von dem wir abscheid genommen haben, unsere herzliche Beileid ausprechen; - Posted by: Frances and Gerhard Schmidt (Friend) on: Jul 05, 2012

• Please accept my deepest sympathies to the Stojke family on the passing of Armand, A kind and gentle giant of a man in both stature and personality. - Posted by: Gordon Wohlschlaer (Friend) on: Jul 05, 2012

• Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, May looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow. - Posted by: Derek Jennings (Friend) on: Jul 05, 2012

• We are sorry to hear about the passing of your husband Armin. We hope that you will find comfort and God's loving presence in the upcoming days and months. Sincerely, Reg and Henni Dyck - Posted by: Reg and Henni Dyck (Friend) on: Jul 05, 2012