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STANLEY (STAN) HOCKLEY
Born: Apr 27, 1932
Date of Passing: Feb 15, 2018
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemorySTANLEY (STAN) HOCKLEY April 27, 1932 - February 15, 2018 It is with great sadness that the family announce the passing of a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Stanley Hockley, at Grace Hospital, at the age of 85 years. Beloved husband of Patricia (nee Simpson). Loving father of Mary Lou Hockley (predeceased), Kathleen Hockley and Suellen Kelly (husband Sheldon). Grandfather of Karl Hockley (wife Kristy), Nick Kelly, Sydney Winter (husband Steve), Kaitlyn Harzan (partner Chris Smith) and Lana Baglole (predeceased). Great-grandfather of Keira Hockley, Kole Hockley and Isaac Smith. Stan was born in Brandon, Manitoba in 1932 and moved with his mother at an early age to Ottawa, Ontario. He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1949 at the age of 17. After training as an airplane mechanic, he went on to become an officer and got his wings so that he could fulfill his passion, flying. Some of the airplanes he flew included the Lancaster, the Expediter and the Harvard. In 1967, Stan joined Air Canada and flew to many destinations world-wide on several different types of airplanes. He obtained his Captaincy on the DC9 and then went on to fly the Boeing 727 until he retired. He flew out of several bases including Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal before retiring in Winnipeg in 1990. While in the Air Force, Stan met Pat, of Simpson, Saskatchewan, on a blind date. He was smitten from the very start and they married in 1953, enjoying 65 years together and raising their three daughters. Stan was an avid golfer and sports fan. In his youth, he was an accomplished hockey and baseball player and he curled while in the Air Force. He loved his daily three mile walk and continued to walk even while visually impaired due to diabetes. Stan enjoyed his retirement. He and Pat loved to explore in their motor home and Stan spent many hours in his shop making furniture. He was a talented wood worker. A wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Stan will be greatly missed. As per Stan's wishes there will be no visitation or funeral service. Arrangements entrusted to Thomson "In the Park". In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association in Stan's memory.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 22, 2018
Condolences & Memories (3 entries)
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We are so sad to hear of Mick's passing. My mum and I have such loving memories of him and Pat taking us under their wing after my father passed away in Hudson, HQ. Stan was kind and adored his family. - Posted by: Erin and Christine Phelan (Friends ) on: Feb 23, 2019
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Only today March 23rd did I learn of Stan's passing. I am truly feeling sad. Stan was one of my favourite pilots to fly with at Air Canada. We flew many trips together on the L1011. He as First Officer and I as Second Officer. Stan was a genteel man. He was never "rattled" regardless of the stressful circumstances flying or otherwise. Well, I take that back. Surprisingly, although the L1011 was the most advanced aircraft of it's time Air Canada chose not to have a ground speed indicator installed. So, to check the ground speed and wind component a crew member (usually the First Officer) would start the installed clock and monitor the miles flown on the Distance Measuring Equipment at the stop of the clock. By pulling and resetting the circuit breaker for the clock (and distracting Stan at the same time) for several seconds, the calculation would appear to indicate a much greater ground speed than normal. Each time Stan rechecked following the same procedure, I would repeat the resetting of the circuit breaker. Stan couldn't figure it out and he literally scratched his head. I couldn't bear to see Stan "suffer" any longer and confessed after about three or four times. When the monotony of some flights became too much for Stan to bear, he would break out in song one of his favourite Air Force limericks being "Oh dear, what can the matter be, two old ladies locked in the lavatory, etc. etc." Always good for a laugh. I will miss Stan. My sincerest sympathy to the Hockley family. Joseph Schuler - Posted by: Joseph Schuler (Fellow aviator) on: Mar 23, 2018
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My sincere condolences go out To Suellen, Sheldon and all the Hockley family. I had the privilege of working with Stan on a number of occasions, and was always a pleasure. I got a big kick out of him referring to me as "Commander", even though I was the low guy on the totem pole. Many fond memories, but one that sticks out, is we were planning our trip out of La Guardia, knowing we had to work our way through a solid and extensive line of thunderstorms, when the In Charge Flight Attendant comes in to announce we have Mother Teresa on board. Stan immediately replies, " Great, looks like we'll need her". A great guy who will be sorely missed. Sincerely, Kim Sharpe Qualicum Beach - Posted by: Kim Sharpe (Work Colleague) on: Feb 22, 2018