We are saddened to share the loss of Russel Sokil who passed away peacefully at home on

Sunday, December 14, 2025, at the age of 90 years.

He will be deeply missed and remembered by his wife, Joyce Hanson, his daughter,

Kimberly Lynn Sokil, and grandsons, Shawn Russel Markowski and Kyle Patrick Markowski.

Russ was predeceased by his late wife, Ruth (Read) of 50 plus years, his brother, William

Sokil and his nephew, Robert Sokil.

Russ was born in Egremont, Alberta on September 23, 1935. He lived in Edmonton, Alberta,

later moving to an acreage outside of Ardrossan.

He worked in his family transportation industry, the Sokil Transportation Group from the

age of 14. Russ was very heavily involved in this industry mostly in fleet maintenance.

Russ semi-retired in 2009 and moved to Parksville on Vancouver Island.

His many accolades and hobbies include his love for sports, especially the Edmonton

Oilers and the Edmonton Elks (Eskimos) where he held seasons tickets since 1955.

He enjoyed watching curling, soccer and spent many hours fishing the Georgia Strait on his

boat which he named Money Pit #2. Russ always had a huge appetite and enjoyed spending

time with his grandsons, especially sampling ethnic foods.

He also had a great love for

travelling to as many countries as possible. In his retirement on the island, he acquired a

love for live theatre and belonged to the local Admiral Men's Club.

There will be a Celebration of Life both in Parksville and in Edmonton, Alberta at a later

date.