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ROBERT STOLLERY Obituary
ROBERT (BOB) STOLLERY
CM, BSC, LLD, CAE 1924-2007 The family sadly announces the passing of their cherished husband, father and grandfather, Bob Stollery, on March 14, 2007 after a courageous nine year battle with cancer. Bob is survived by Shirley, his beloved wife and best friend for 59 years; dearly loved by children Carol and Bill Sharun, Janet and Spencer Bryson, Douglas Stollery and Scott Graham; grandchildren Kate and Aubrey Zalaski, Jeff Bryson and Tanis Mosentine, Jon Sharun and Priscilla Bencic, and Chad Bryson and Meagan Nieman; brother and sister-in-law Bill and Rhyl Stollery; sister-in-law Bette Motton (Hank Motton); brother-in-law David Hopper (Margaret Drabick); sisters-in-law Jean Hopper, Gladys Hopper (Len Roberts) and Greta Stollery; and numerous nieces and nephews and their families. Bob was predeceased by his parents Kate and Willie Stollery (pioneers in the town of Strathcona, now South Edmonton), his brothers Bert, Dick, Charlie, Ernie (killed in action WWII), and his sister Win. Bob was born in Edmonton and attended Queen Alexandra Elementary, Garneau Junior High and Strathcona High Schools. He spent four years in the Canadian Navy in the Pacific, Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. During the war, Bob met his future bride, Shirley Hopper, in Toronto. They were married at Metropolitan United Church, Edmonton, in 1947. After discharge from the navy in 1945, Bob completed a degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Alberta and then joined Poole Constr uction as an engineer in training. In 1970, he became president and in 1978, he led the purchase of the company, which then became known as PCL Construction. As president, chairman, and CEO, he began bringing employees into ownership of the company. Today, this major international builder is 100% employee owned. Bob was a modest man who believed in the importance of family, integrity, hard work, and giving back to the community. He devoted part of each day to helping others. He was the founder of the Stollery Charitable Foundation, a co-founder and the first president of the Edmonton Community Foundation, and a catalyst for the founding of the Stollery Children's Hospital. Bob helped to fund the rebuilding of the Women's Emergency Shelter and the constr uction of housing for the disadvantaged in the inner city. He funded many scholarships and bursaries for students at Grant MacEwan College, NorQuest College, and the University of Alberta. Bob was actively involved for 50 years in charities in the areas of poverty, early childhood education, and health. Bob received many awards recognizing his accomplishments in business and charitable work. He was awarded the Order of Canada in 2001and was named one of the 100 Edmontonians of the Century in 2004. He was awarded Honorary Doctor of Laws Degrees from the University of Alberta (1985), Concordia University (Montreal 1986), and Athabasca University (2003); an Honorary Doctor of Letters from St. Stephen's College (1999); and an Honorary Diploma in Business from Grant MacEwan College (1994). He was elected a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering (1989). Other honours received include the Canadian Business Leader Award (1993), a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International (2000), and induction into the Edmonton Hall of Fame by Junior Achievement (1989). He was a director of many organizations, including The Toronto-Dominion Bank, Federal Industries, Northern Transportation Co., Revelstoke Companies, Trans-Canada Pipe Lines, Melcor Developments, Economic Council of Canada, the Edmonton and Canadian Construction Associations, and PCL Employees Holdings Ltd. An outstanding community leader and a highly respected builder of organizations and structures, Bob had a sincere desire to make a difference. He was most proud of his family and of his role as caregiver to Shirley, and he was an outstanding father and grandfather. Following a private family service and cremation, there will be a public memorial service to celebrate Bob's life at the Winspear Centre, Edmonton, Alberta on Tuesday, March 20, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. The family wishes to express special thanks to the remarkable staff at the Palliative Care Unit at St. Joseph's Auxiliary Hospital for their compassion, dedication and care. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bob's name may be made to the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation, 8401, 11402 University Avenue, Edmonton, AB T6G 2J3 or the charity of one's choice. Condolences for Robert Stollery may be left at www.mem.com. Hainstock's Funeral Home and Crematorium 440-2999 Honoured Provider of Dignity Memorial
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Memories and Condolences
for ROBERT STOLLERY
Sponsored by His Friend Lyle Best.
28 Entries
James Douglas
March 30, 2007
Carol, Bill and family,
I was very very saddened to hear about your loss Carol. What a great man. What a great father. You were so fortunate to have had such a great Dad and an even better friend. Please pass on my deepest sympathy to your Mom. You are so fortunate to be have been left with such wonderful wonderful memeories. Take care Carol and we will chat soon. Jim x0x0
Bill Stollery
March 28, 2007
My name is Bill Stollery, I am Bob's younger brother but also over 80 years of age.
101 years ago our father came to Edmonton from England. As promised Mother came one year later to be married.
Together they had seven children who were fortunate to be born into a family where we were loved and appreciated. We were taught to think for ourselves and have the courage to stand up and be counted when we thought improvements could be made.
Consequently, over the years many opportunities opened up for us.
Bob obviously put his opportunities and luck to good use and due partly to the nurturing, love and support of his parents and family he was anxious to share his good fortune with others.
All of us, except for brother Ernie (who died in the war) were blessed to reach our senior years.
If we can learn one thing from Bob’s life it is to set an example for all with whom we come in contact so they in turn can go on to nurture others.
Rest in peace, brother Bob
As ever,
brother Bill, 494
Maureen Hesje
March 28, 2007
To the Stollery Family: Mrs. Stollery, Carol, Janet, Doug, and Families,
My heartfelt thoughts are with you in the passing of this special man. I am truly sorry for your loss.
The manner in which he lived his life reflected the deep responsibility that he felt towards giving back to his community. He impacted the lives of many in a very profound and positive way. He was an inspiration to many; he was a mentor and teacher to many; and, he was respected by all.
He was accorded many honors in his lifetime. He accepted them with graciousness, with humility, and with a profound responsibility that he felt accompanies such recognition.
May his spirit live on through the lives of all those he touched whether it be through business, philanthropy, or love. His was a life well-lived, and lived well for he gave of himself to others. Thank you for sharing this wonderful man with us all.
With sincere condolences to the Stollery Family,
Maureen Hesje
Dianne Young
March 26, 2007
Dear Shirley, Carol, Janet, Doug and the extended Stollery Family,
Thank you for making room in your family for me... for making me feel so very welcome. What a gift to have an incredible opportunity to learn and grow, from two quiet teachers who genuinely care about others, then take action to make a difference. The torch has been passed to the rest of us. The important work Bob and Shirley Stollery began will continue each time we do our part to ensure our community, and the people in it, stays strong and helathy .
Dale B.
March 25, 2007
I didn’t know Dr. Stollery very long - I met him just last year. Every time I was near, he would ask me how I was before I could ask him that same question. Every time, he would ask me a question about different things – did I have children and such. One day, I told him that, yes I do have children – the youngest of which was a little girl of 3. He wanted to see a picture and know more about them.
You see, He and I had Something in common – he started a children’s hospital that helped my daughter become whole. I had the privilege of saying “thank you” to Dr. Stollery – for everything he did for my “little tadpole”, his only request - to call him “Bob”.
Thank you, Bob and Shirley, for following a dream and for sharing it with the rest of the world. Thank you, for not backing down, even when they said “how”, “why” or even “no”. Thank you, for letting me be there for Bob – to make him laugh with a bad joke or ease his fears and pain. I have been both honored and blessed to know him. Your family will always be in my heart.
With much love and respect,
March 23, 2007
Mrs. Stollery, Carol, Bill and family,
We are sharing the sorrow you are feeling and keeping you all very close in thought and in our hearts. We feel very blessed to be part of your "family" and to have known Mr. Stollery both personally and professionally.
With understanding sympathy and love to you all,
Judy (Clarke), Joyce (Acheson), Doris (Beljan), Brenda (Nobles) and Brandy (Morrow)
Stan Evenson
March 22, 2007
Bob is someone that I have respected and admired all of my life. From the early school days at Queen Alex to the present. May God bless him and his wife Shirley and family.
Tiffany Keiller
March 22, 2007
Dr. Stollery touched our lives in so many ways. Our youngest daughter, Charlotte, spent 11 months at the amazing hospital that was Dr. Stollery's dream and mission. If it hadn't been for that hospital we would have either had to go to Toronto, or she wouldn't have survived. When meeting Dr. Stollery for the first time at the taping of a Celebration Broadcast I was taken by the sparkle in his and Shirley's eyes while they were watching Charlotte play. I went up to him to thank him for starting the amazing hospital and he turned it around and thanked me for sharing Charlotte with him and Shirley. I was so touched. That just shows you what an amazing man he was. Our family will never forget him and he will always hold such a special place in our hearts.
Amanda Welliver
March 22, 2007
I never met Bob Stollery but throughout the years of being friends with the Sharuns you could not only hear but physically feel how proud you were of your father, and grandfather. It is evident his genuine care and giving has passed on to all of you. My condolscences to such wonderful family friends ~ my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jennifer Lawton-Godziuk
March 21, 2007
Mrs. Stollery,
Our 2 1/2 year old daughter was diagnosed with Type I diabetes in February 2003. My husband and I were referred to the Stollery Children's Hospital's Pediatric Diabetes Education Centre to learn how to best take care of little Miriam. During our breaks between sessions with nurses, doctors, the dieticians and social worker, we would often stroll by the portrait of you and your husband. Your gentle eyes and warm smiles seemed to say to us, "We care about you and it's going to be all right" during those days and every visit to the hospital since. We thank you for your great contribution toward the special treatment Miriam and so many little people need and receive at the hospital named in your honor. We are sorry to hear of Mr. Stollery's passing and we wish you and your family the comfort and peace that your family has provided for others. God bless you.
Bob Stollery
March 21, 2007
Charlie, Bert, Dick, Bob and Bill Stollery in front of the family home
March 21, 2007
Dad and his special guest at St. Joseph's Hospital, November 2006
March 21, 2007
Tom Hopper
March 20, 2007
Aunt Shirley, Carol, Janet and Doug, and extended family, thank you for sharing your Bob with us all. He was a blessing in our lives and we are so proud of him.
The City, the corporate world and the general public will no doubt miss Bob Stollery for his caring attributes. His family will miss him for his obvious and unrelenting devoted love, pride and guidance. I will miss my Uncle Bob – for those reasons, and also for those sometimes simple things he brought into our lives. Simple things like the joy of him and my dear Aunt Shirley arriving at mom’s apartment with an armload of hot cappuccino’s and a bag of fresh cookies to share – he would then retire to a chair in the corner, and his eyes would close and one would think he was asleep – but every once in a while he would quietly jump into the conversation – naw, he wasn’t asleep, he was just quietly resting, letting the ladies talk, and he took great pleasure in that. Or the joy in his face in showing off his apple tree in the back yard that he had just prepared for the summer.
I will also appreciate the patience he had, like when he took my brother and I as kids back in the 60’s, along with Aunt Shirley, Carol, Janet, Doug and a friend of Carol’s all the way to Kelowna from Victoria to share their vacation time. Six kids in that big old Chrysler must have been a handful. But we made it just fine, we had such fun, and remains a cherished memory for us all.
And I will always be so thankful for his rock-solid support and quiet guidance during family crises over the years. Uncle Bob and his Dear Shirley were always there to help our family through some very difficult times for which we will always be so grateful.
Aunt Shirley was the one that brought my parents together many years ago, and rainbows came to mean a special thing to my folks. Now when I see a rainbow I will think of Uncle Bob along with my parents.
Our condolences go out to Aunt Shirley, Carol, Bill, Janet, Spencer, Doug, Scott and family for the loss of their dear Bob.
Joanna Pawlyshyn
March 20, 2007
On behalf of the Royal Alexandra Hospital and our physicians and staff, I want to extend our sincere sympathies to Carol and Bill, Shirley and the entire Stollery family on Bob's passing. We are honored to have been part of Bob's care and regret that even with modern day medical science we could not completely alleviate his pain and suffering.
Bob Stollery was a great man and will be remembered for his exceptional contributin to and leadership within our community. As a result of his humanitarian efforts, our community is a better place for all, not just for today -but for future generations as well.
In recognition of Bob Stollery, the Royal Alexandra Hospital will make a contribution to the Stollery Children's Hospital in his name.
Our sincere best wishes to Shirley, Carol and Bill and your entire family during this difficult time.
Richard Field
March 20, 2007
My wife and I were saddened to hear today of your loss. Mr. Stollery was a great friend to the Univeristy of Alberta and will be sorely missed. I was fortunate to have met Mr. Stollery while working on the addition to the fifth floor Stollery Centre of the School of Business Building about six years ago. He was warm and generous with his time and after that always had a hello and kind word when we'd meet by chance at Safeway or in the lineup at the bank. We miss him deeply.
Karleen Rutter
March 19, 2007
We were very sad when Mr. Stollery died. Mr. Stollery helped to save my brother's life. I will never forget him. He is a very important person in my life. We will be praying for his family so that they aren't too sad.
Love, Karleen Rutter
(7-year old big sister to Jed Calhoun Rutter)
Tara Klapstein
March 19, 2007
Dear Mrs. Stollery, Carol, Jon and Family,
I've spent the last few days pondering something appropriate and meaningful to write you but I've realized there really isn't much I can say during such a difficult time for your family and the whole of Edmonton. Mr. Stollery is an angel to countless people and now he is the angel that can and will watch over all of you, all of the time. My deepest condolences.
Dave Hopper
March 19, 2007
We shall never forget.
Jane Stollery
March 19, 2007
Auntie Shirley, Carol, Janet, Doug, Bill, Spencer, Scott and all the grandchildren: Barb, Doug and I all are thinking of you at this most difficult time. We know that you will have so many treasured memories to help you get through these sad days. Uncle Bob will be missed by so many in his immediate and extended families as well as the community at large. We are so glad you had so much time with him at the end and we know that your closeness as a family is a great comfort to you all. Our deepest sympathies.
Jane and Barbara Stollery, Doug Hansen
wayne marsh
March 19, 2007
I was so sorry to hear of your loss, i wish that i was able to be there in person for the memorial service
Kathryn Hopper
March 19, 2007
Dearest Aunt Shirley and all the family,
Your niece, Kathryn, and husband James, send all their best to you and yours. Uncle Bob... well, we all know what a great man and inspiration he was to us all. He will be missed but his legacy lives on. It's an honour to have known him.
We made a donation to a family battling leukemia and with loving thoughts of Uncle Bob's courage and sense of family.
Much love to all, Kathryn
Barb Gaunt
March 18, 2007
Thank you for sharing him with all the sick kids and their families. The Stollery Children's Hospital is an amazing place that performs miracles every day
Mina Angotti
March 16, 2007
Mrs. Stollery and family
I would like to extend to you my most heartfelt condolences on the loss of Mr. Stollery. I am a very proud Edmontonian, and a part of that pride comes from seeing a very special person, such as Mr. Stollery, use his incredible success to help our most precious gifts- our children. I always donate my time and money to the Stollery Radiothon. We are extremely lucky to have the best children's hospital in the universe. I hope that the spirit of Mr. Stollery will continue to inspire all Edmontonians to keep his vision alive. Your family is very fortunate to have had a loving and compassionate man as leader. I pray that the memories you shared in life together will guide you during this difficult time. God Bless.
Sharon Willey
March 16, 2007
Dear Stollery Family,
We are sorry for you loss. Mr.Stollery has touched to many people. He has made such a difference in this city. For us personaly he gave a medical team the chance to save our daughters life. He saw a vision and brought the right people together to ensure that miracles happen. He will be greatly missed. We send you our prayers and hugs as you are faced with the loss of your husband, father, grandfather and wonderful friend.
Best Regards,
Martin, Sharon and Emma Willey
Audrey Seehagen
March 16, 2007
My warmest thoughts go out to you, Shirley, and to all your family members at this very difficult time.
Bob's humanitarian efforts and business sense built a stronger, healthier and more vibrant Edmonton.
As well, Bob provided a consistent example of how great men treat other people. Whether for business, in the arts, or friends, and (especially) family, Bob was approachable. He listened and he made things happen.
Bob was respected and loved by all; and he will be missed very much by the people of the Edmonton community and beyond.
Scott Kirkwood
March 16, 2007
I was fortunate enough to meet Mr. Stollery on a few occasions, and it was always clear that he was a true gentleman. I wish all the best to his family, especially Carol, Bill, Jon, and Kate, in this difficult time. Mr. Stollery was a great man, and his legacy will live on forever. The community has lost a true leader and ambassador.
Lyle Best
March 16, 2007
Edmonton has lost a pioneer and a visionary. His dedication to the community and his leadership by example may never be topped. Bob always had time for people and projects that would better our community. There was rarely an event of significance in Edmonton that Bob did not lend his name, talents or money to. To Shirley and family, thank you for sharing this treasure with all of us. He inspired a whole new generation of philanthropists. May you find peace in his memory. Lyle R. Best
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