Gus Stankoven
February 10, 1934 – November 18, 2012
Gus Stankoven passed away peacefully at Kamloops Hospice on Sunday, Nov. 18th, 2012 at the age of 78 years surrounded by the love of his family. Gus was born on February 10th, 1934 in Drumheller, Alta. and was raised there until graduation in 1952. He came to Revelstoke in September 1952 to work for C.P. Rail as a telegraph operator. He worked the spare board on the Mountain and Shuswap subs until getting a steady job as a telegrapher in 1954. He married Winnifried Goebel on June 2nd, 1956 and worked in Albert Canyon until 1959, after which they moved to Rosebery where he was the station agent. While living there, Gus belonged to the New Denver – Silverton Kinsmen Club, coached Little League Baseball and Minor Hockey. He also played on the New Denver – Silverton Combines Senior Baseball team and Senior Hockey teams. He loved fishing on Slocan Lake and Wilson Creek. After 10 years, the CPR decided to close the branch line between Rosebery and Nakusp due to a lack of business. He turned down a promotion to be a mobile supervisor in Cranbrook because they had already purchased a home in Enderby, where he bid and got the Armstrong-Enderby office swing position.
They moved to Enderby in 1969 and Gus was on city council for 14 years as an alderman, head of the Recreation Commission and put on many events for the Senior Citizens. He also coached Minor Hockey and Little League baseball where his team represented the Okanagan Valley at the Provincial Championship in Whalley. He was also involved with the Grindrod Elks Senior Hockey team and Enderby Legionnaires Senior Ball club and proudly went to the Western Canadian finals. In 1985 while working the Armstrong, Vernon and Sicamous swing, the CPR decided to close the branch line where he managed to get the office swing job in Kamloops. They resided in Kamloops until 1991 when Gus retired after 39 years of service with CP Rail when they closed the station due to technical changes on the railway. While an operator in Kamloops, he also was the First Aid instructor, as well as Defensive Driving Instructor for CP Employees.
In 1992, they moved to a beautiful home in Nakusp on the Arrow Lakes. While there, Gus was president of the Senior Citizens Association for 7 ½ years, was a Senior Counsellor and also gave driving lessons to approximately 120 students and seniors. He was also President of the Nakusp Falcons Senior Hockey team and was also the score/time keeper for Minor Hockey. Gus & Winnie were chosen as Citizens of the Year in 1998. While living in Nakusp, Gus enjoyed fishing and picking berries. In 2003, they moved back to Kamloops to be closer to family and medical attention. Gus won medals at the Senior Games in table tennis, which he enjoyed playing for many years after. His hobbies included riding his scooter, watching hockey, playing crib, scrabble & circle word games. He loved watching movies and spending time with the family, especially his grandchildren. Gus spent time collecting donations for the Salvation Army as a kettle ringer in the malls at Christmas and loved interacting with people. Dad was an unselfish person who loved unconditionally, a friend to everyone, and always willing to help those in need. He devoted his life to being a great husband, father and grandfather and will be greatly missed. Special thanks to all of his doctors and nurses along with the volunteers at Hospice for your kindness and compassion.
Gus was predeceased by his parents, step-father and sister, wife Winnie in August 2009 and granddaughter Michelle in February 2012. He is survived by his five children and families: Bill (Lorna) Stankoven of Victoria; Brenda (Dave) Jones of Revelstoke; Larry (Franca) Stankoven of Enderby; Linda (Fred) Iadarola of Kamloops; Wes (Deana) Stankoven of Kamloops; Fifteen grandchildren: Christina (Benjamin) Hernandez, Devin, Brennan & Garrett Stankoven; Amanda & Jeff Jones; Amy (Trevor) Volpatti; Amber (Adam) Brausse; Steven & Samuel Stankoven; Eric, Jenna & Melissa Iadarola; Logan & Macie Stankoven.
Funeral services will be held at the Sacred Heart Cathedral (255 Nicola) in Kamloops on Sat. Dec. 1st, at 12:00 followed by a Celebration of Life at the Colombo Lodge (814 Lorne) In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kamloops Hospice or the Salvation Army in memory of Gus.
Arrangements entrusted to Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services 250-554-2324