David Stoesz

Dave was born and raised in southern Manitoba with his four sisters, enjoying his horse Nancy and playing hockey for the Altona Maroons, developing his lifelong love of horses, rodeos, country & western music, and hockey. He had an adventurous spirit and began work in construction.

In 1960, he married Gay, and together, they began many years of adventure and travelling together. They moved to Grand Rapids, Manitoba, where he worked as a foreman for Manitoba Hydro, beginning his long career in power plants. He convinced her to move west to Alberta in 1964, where he began working as an overhead crane operator in power plants, a career that would continue well into his mid-70s. They moved to Stony Plain, then settled in Spruce Grove in 1971 until returning to Stony Plain in 2002.

Dave valued working hard and taking responsibility. He was proud to be a 64-year member of the Operating Engineers Local 955, earning many long service awards and being recognized and sought after as a master of his craft.

Dave was happiest behind a wheel on a road trip. He and Gay travelled extensively, usually driving, often with an RV, criss-crossing from one end of Canada to the other, and from Alaska to Mexico, enjoying the beauty of nature, camping, and the joy of an open highway. Anyone who spent time with Dave know that sitting in the passenger seat as the landscape glided by was the key to the best conversations with him.

He was quick to smile, laugh, joke, and tell stories over a coffee. He was generous, always the first to help on a project and the last to leave at the end of a job.

Along the way, he and Gay welcomed and raised two chosen daughters, and he was absolutely delighted to be a doting grandfather to three grandchildren and one great grandson.

Later in life after retirement (although it seemed he never really would retire), he filled his days wintering in Arizona, golfing, playing cards, listening to music, dancing as often as possible, watching all levels of hockey, enjoying a good meal (especially dessert), and of course, more road trips.

His was a good life, well-lived, and we will miss him forever.

He leaves to mourn his beloved wife of nearly 64 years, Gay; cherished daughters Shelley and Dallas; adored grandchildren Samantha (Stephen), Brandon, and Alexandra, and great grandchild Henry; extended family and countless friends.

The family would like to express our deep gratitude for the outstanding and compassionate care of Dr. Ross Dunbar and the staff at 8E Misericordia Hospital in Edmonton.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Dave’s honour to the Covenant Foundation.