In Loving Memory of

Stuart Winkler

of Edmonton
Jul 9, 1947 - Jun 13, 2012

 

 

I first met Stuart in the 1970's when we participated in running events in the Edmonton area. He was a fixture on the circuit and popular with all. After I left Edmonton in 1987 Stuart and I continued to correspond by letter and card. Stuart collected and sent me news clippings from Edmonton papers that he thought might interest me. These were very welcome and useful. When my wife Mary and I visited the city, we never failed to meet with Stuart over breakfast or coffee. I deeply admired his spirit of perseverance and unfailing positive attitude. It was a great shock to learn of his death. Before leaving on vacation in June I had mailed a card to mark his retirement from Lilydale. He had confided his carefully managed retirement plans, although I had wondered how a man as active and involved as he would cope with a less demanding life. I will never forget Stuart Winkler. His life was an inspiration to all who knew him. My thanks to Stuart's sister for notifying me of his passing.
posted by Robert Lunney : From 1974 to 1987 I was Chief of Police in Edmonton, and an avid member of the running community. : Aug 23, 2012

 

Imagine our shock as we had just mailed Stuart's 65th birthday greetings card today and then read this evening in an older Edmonton Journal that he had passed away in June. As a former nordic skiing writer with the Journal I first met Stuart on an Air Canada flight in the late 70's and have maintained a continued contact with him over the years. My wife Tony and I always enjoyed his capsulated yearly reports of his life and looked forward to receiving them each Christmas. He will be missed. My wife Tony and I send condolences to all the Winkler family and relatives. You had a special person in Stuart to enjoy all those years. May his memory shine brightly in your lives for years to come. Sincerely, Jarl and Tony Omholt-Jensen, Wetaskwiin.
posted by Jarl Omholt-Jensen : Same as above : Jul 03, 2012

 

I met Stuart briefly while I was developing an employee training program at Lilydale, in Edmonton. Stuart was one of the most joyful and uplifting people I've met. I had the opportunity to attend a barbecue lunch and was the recipient of one of his exuberant greetings. I was truly saddened to hear of his passing. He lived his life 'large' and there is much we all could learn from his example. Shaun Browne President Digital Mentor Group
posted by Shaun Browne : Lilydale is one of my clients. I met Stuart during the development of a skills training program for Lilydale production employees. R : Jul 02, 2012

 

On Behalf of the Strathcona Wilderness Centre, we extend our sympathies to Stuart's family. Stuart's friendliness and snthusiasm for skiing and life will be remembered by our skiers, volunteers and staff. Jean
posted by Jean Funk : We kenw Stuart through the cross country ski community, including the Birkie and Edmonton Nordic events. : Jun 26, 2012

 

Stuart was a great friend of the Nordic and downhill ski communities in Edmonton. A few years ago when the Winterlight Festival was at the Edmonton Ski Club, Stuart was of course there helping out. My son, Pearce, and I came into the clubhouse to have a rest. Stuart came by to chat, trusty pen and pad in hand so we could write notes back and forth. Shortly after, he went to the office and returned with a couple of albums of photos and clippings of stories about the history of skiing in Edmonton. We sat with him for almost two hours while he shared these stories on his pad and answered our questions. On the way home I told Pearce a little about some of the things Stuart does for the ski community, and how he helps out at every ski event, big or small. A year or so later, as a Junior High student taking the annual board writing test, Pearce was given the essay topic, 'An Unsung Hero'. He wrote about Stuart. Stuart showed us all with his big heart and generous spirit that we all have gifts to share to make our community a better place. We will miss him.
posted by Glenda Hanna : I have known Stuart for at least 25 years. I am the President of the Edmonton Nordic Ski Club and the General Manager of the Canadian Birkebeiner Society. : Jun 18, 2012

 

We are saddened by the loss of our long serving, loyal employee, Stuart Winkler.  Every person who joined our ranks came to know Stuart and the qualities he exemplified.  Stuart always demonstrated great pride in Lilydale and performed his duties consistent with that pride.  He took a great interest in the business and in each of us as individuals.   If he was not introduced to you, he took it upon himself to do that.   Stuart was generous man, sharing his time and his knowledge.  His generosity extended beyond our walls into the community.  If he could provide something to you, he would. Those of us who were touched by Stuart are richer for it.  He will be remembered long past the building he entered when it opened. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
posted by Jacques Pelletier : Lilydale : Jun 17, 2012

 

I just wanted to let you know how sorry iam on hearing about Stuart. I hadn't seen him for many years but I sure have really fun memories of him from the farm days. He could make everyone around happy by just smiling. I know you will miss him so much and Heartfelt thoughts are with you all. What a great person he was and leaves so many wonderful friends. Take care. Linda feniak(wright)
posted by . Feniak : Friend : Jun 16, 2012

 

I am saddened to hear of Stuart's passing. He leaves a large hole in the world that will not re-filled easily. I will miss seeing him by chance at a ski hill or xc event. I will miss that first Xmas card of the Holiday season. I will miss joking about which one of us is the most over weight.
posted by Bill Thompson : I met Stuart thru the ENSC when I first joined 30+ years ago. Stuart and that pad of paper and pen where unavoidable. We crossed paths at skiing or running events maybe twice a year, so there was much scribbling to catch up on what we and our families had done. We last crossed paths this past January at the Edmonton Ski Club. We shared the same old joke and scribbled a little...for the last time. You will always be remembered. : Jun 16, 2012

 

Stuart has been with the ski scene for decades. I will never forget the first time I met him while standing at the start line for the a Journal ski race. We counted on him volunteering each Birkebeiner and I was always happy to chat a little in sign language together. Such a social man who never let his deafness stop a conversation with a hearing person!
posted by Karen van der Meer : We knew each other through cross country skiing. : Jun 15, 2012

 

What a shock to read of Stuart's pasing. Stuart and I have corresponded for years by mail and phone. He was always so interested in family ties and kept up with the news of all the children of his relatives. I will miss his cards, letters and quick postcards with tidbits of history on the family, railroad, running events, and ski club. Our sympathies, Colin, Janice and Margot, and to your children on the loss of their very proud uncle.
posted by Janet and Steve Snydmiller : Janet is Stuart's 2nd cousin (daughter of Art of Sylvia Muckleston)) : Jun 15, 2012

 

I was shocked to learn of Stuart's death and I and my family members who knew and loved Stuart will miss him greatly. I have a photograph on my wall of Stuart with his arm around our daughter Jenny after they finished a marathon together, bearing huge smiles in appreciation of their accomplishment. I knew Stuart as a fellow runner and volunteer at running events. He could always be counted on to be at an event when we needed volunteers. No position was too small for Stuart and his happy disposition. In fact he was selected as the "volunteer of the year" by the Edmonton Marathon Society in 1997 in recognition of his contributions. He was one of the kindest and most humble persons I have ever encountered. His contributions to my life will be lasting and valued! Thank-you Stuart for being part of my life!
posted by John McGee : Fellow Runner and volunteer at many running events : Jun 15, 2012

 

Stuart was an amazing man, I have known him since I was 11 year old. We met at the Edmonton Ski Club and he was always there cheering me and my teammates on. I will miss him greatly and will never forget the conversations and the memories we shared. Miss you :(
posted by Tina Grab (Duncan) : Friends from Edmonton Ski Club : Jun 15, 2012

 

We were shocked and saddend to hear of Stuart's sudden passing. He was a fixture at the Edmonton Ski Club for so many years that he will be truly missed. Always quick with a smile and eager to engage in a conversation, Stuart was the epitomy of what we all hope to be: courageous, kind, and caring. Stuart, you may be gone but you will always be in our hearts and minds; even more so when that first snowflake falls every year.
posted by Andy Weiler : Knew Stuart through the ESC where our family has been members for the last 6 years. : Jun 15, 2012

 

The mention of Stuart's names brings a smile to our faces. His ability to always maintain a sense of humour in himself and others was remarkable. He loved running, sking and his work at Lilydale but most of all he loved sharing time and a laugh with friends. His smiling face will be missed at all the local events and his memory will always continue to be part of our Christmas eve celebrations which we shared together for over 30 years. We will miss you dearly Stuart.
posted by John and Bev Stanton : Friend : Jun 14, 2012

 

Colin Janice Margot and family. Our family were so sad to here about the passing of Stuart. His infectious smile and laughter will be missed I had the opportunity of seeing Stuart recently, while visiting with Wally and Mom at Touchmark. We shared some memories of your parents,my Dad, the journal games Stuart attended, while watching our girls, ofcourse the memories of running and skiing. He lived a very full happy productive life........Our hearts go out to your family.....with love ....The Nelson family
posted by brenda dunn nelson : His father and my father(the Dunn family) were childhood buddies and the family has stayed somewhat connected through the years...... : Jun 14, 2012

 

I had the pleasure of working with Stuart at Lilydale for several years. Stuart was the heart and soul of the north side plant and will be sadly missed by everyone. Stuart also spent many weekends with my children at Snow Valley ski club directing them onto the lift, and giving them encouragement. My youngest daughter always referred to him as " the nice man with the smiling eyes". I am so sad that his carefully planned retirement did not come to fruition. Stuart will be missed by those who were blessed to have him in their lives and all the avid skiers in Edmonton who will miss his smile and energy on the hills. Rest in peace Stuart.
posted by Karen Gugulyn : I worked with Stuart at Lilydale . : Jun 14, 2012

 

We were shocked to read Stuart's obituary in today's edition of the Edmonton Journal. Stuart was one of the most unselfish and giving persons we have ever met despite his handicaps. We will miss his annual Christmas letter updating the major events in his life during the previous year. Stuart was extremely proud of the heritage of his family name especially the fact that a community was named after one of his close relatives. We first met Stuart when he offered his voluntary services during the annual Edmonton Journal Indoor Games. Stuart was always happy to perform any duties assigned to him and would always perform those duties above and beyond the call of duty. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
posted by Greta & Harry de Pruis : Already explained in the above message. : Jun 14, 2012

 

On behalf of the staff, Board of Directors at Snow Valley, we send our sincerest condolences to Stuart's family. Stuart was an intregal part of the Snow Valley family and he will be sadly missed by us all. He touched the hearts of many of our guests, young and old alike. It will not be the same as you line up for the chair without seeing his smile and his flag! He won over many young skiers/snowboarders by taking the time to visit with them. He volunteered too many hours to count over his lifetime here. Stuart's photographs and stories will be his legacy to Snow Valley. He will not be forgotten!
posted by Shawn Symington : As the General Manager of Snow Valley, I had the pleasure of getting to know Stuart. : Jun 14, 2012

 

My deepest condolensces to the family a friends of Stuart. The ongoing consistent message that has resonated throughout our small local snowboarding/skiing community is not only that of sadness for the loss of Our friend, but appreciation for the impact he had on all of our lives. Stuart was never without a smile or a thumbs up, and always had a good story to tell. This positivity influenced more lives than I think any of us will ever understand. As a community, we mourn for the loss, and yet, we celebrate the life of an amazing person. Stuart will never be forgotten, and often remember fondly. God bless.
posted by Matt Drummond : Snowboarding at Snow Valley Ski Club in the '90's. : Jun 14, 2012

 

Stuart was always such kind person and generously gave of his time and effort at every major running event in the city. We have known Stuart for many years and he always took an interest in our kids and was always very kind to them. Stuart will be missed but we will think of him at every finish line, remembering how he loved to greet all the runners crossing the line. Stuart you will be missed.
posted by Mike and Charlane ODell : Friend : Jun 14, 2012

 

I'm sorry to hear of Stuart's passing. He was one of the first people I met at the Edmonton Ski Club over 40 years ago when I first tried skiing. He was always friendly and kind to everyone, and was always interested in my ski racing. He always wanted to know what you were doing, and was truly interested. He always greeted you with a smile, and a hand written note. He enjoyed seeing kids have fun on the ski hill, and this always made him smile! I will miss seeing Stuart at the ski hill, but will remember him when I am at the ESC!
posted by Mark Stein : Skiing Friend : Jun 14, 2012