The family is saddened to announce the passing of Morris Alexander Stoyka age 81 on Friday March 06, 2015 at the Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary with family by his side. He was born in Fort William on April 18, 1933 to parents Anna and Alexander Stoyka. Morris met the love of his life Zenovia in early childhood and they were married May 24, 1958.
Morris grew up in Oba Ontario attending public school there until he moved to Fort William to attend F.W. Vocational high school. He played football for the Fort William Redskins and was a member of the Quarterback Club. After graduating high school he apprenticed as an electrician eventually earning his Masters Electricians license.
Morris worked construction in many of the area mills and was the main electrical supervisor for many of the areas new paper mill projects. He was a member of local union IBEW 402 and served on various boards. Morris loved the outdoors where he spent time golfing, fishing, boating on Lake Superior and blueberry picking. In the winter months he enjoyed curling where he gained a passion for going to Canadian Briers. He attended for 37 years in a row and over the years became a Professor of Morning Classes.
In 1985 Morris and Zinny travelled to Glasgow Scotland for the Silver Broom World Curling Championship watching Al Hackner win the title. He was involved in the F.W. Curling Club where he was President from 1989-2000. One of his last pet projects at the club was the implementation of video streaming for various bonspiels. Morris’ biggest hobby was taking home movies which spanned a lifetime of family history. You would always see him behind a movie camera at every family event. Morris was always available to help family and friends in times of need.
Morris is survived by his wife Zenovia (Dokuchic), daughter Ann Louise Stoyka (Mike Baird), granddaughter Alexa Baird, son Alexander (Kathy), grandson Michael Stoyka, brother Gerald (Doreen), sister Lorraine Stockla (Paul Sider), sisters-in-law Sally Umpherson, Jean Dokuchic, Rose Dokuchic, special niece Janine Reynolds and many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Morris is predeceased by parents Anna and Alexander Stoyka and in-laws Elena and Michael Dokuchic.
Liturgy will be held on Monday March 16, 2015 11:00 AM at the Church of the Holy Cross 415 Victoria Avenue, celebrated by Father Andrija Petresin with visitation one hour prior to service. Following mass, a memorial reception will be held at the Fort William Curling Club at 1:00 PM. Interment to be held at a later date.
The family would like to thank the Doctors and Nurses at the Foothills Medical Centre for the exceptional care and compassion Morris and his family received during his time there. Special thanks to Bill Zeleny who also travelled to Calgary and watched over Morris while the family got some rest at the hotel. Also to Morris’ friends who watched out for him at the brier prior to him going to the hospital.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Northern Cancer Fund of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
Morris Stoyka will be remembered in the Blake Funeral Chapel Memorial Grove. Annual dedication service Sunday, June 12, 2016.
