A loving memorial of John Steve Sokolotosky who passed away on May 26, 2023.
John was welcomed on July 19, 1952 to his loving parents Doris and Steve Sokolotosky, and his 3 loving sisters Mary Ann, Irene, and Joan.
When John was 14, they moved onto the Kozub homestead where he lived until his
passing. As a youngster, he helped out on the family farm raising cow, pigs, and geese. John and his sisters have, and had, wonderful memories of their younger years.
John excelled in academics receiving many trophies during his school years. He was
valedictorian in his graduating year 1970 at H A Kostak school in Smoky Lake. John
attended the University of Alberta for his teaching degree and then found his love and passion for carpentry. He built houses in and around Smoky Lake. John worked in the
oilfield for many years doing carpentry and scaffolding. During that time, he made lots of friends that knew him as “Smoky”. The guys always wanted to see his tag on the
scaffolding before using it.
He met his gal Sal in 1995, they were married in 1999 and spent 24 wonderful years of marriage together. With his gal Sal, John got 7 children Liz, Frank, Pam, Tara, Chris, Yvonne, and Victoria. Then throughout the years he got 12 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
John enjoyed his children and grandchildren when they came to visit. Swimming lessons, parades, teaching them to drive, mow grass, and pick weeds. John enjoyed gardening with Sal – especially hilling his potatoes and picking broad beans.
John was survived by his gal Sal (wife), his 7 children, 1 niece and 4 nephews, 12
grandkids, and 3 great grandkids. John was also survived by his sister Mary Ann and his sister Irene. He was predeceased by his mother Doris, father Steve, and his sister Joan, and aunt and uncles.
At his request, there will be no memorial service or celebration of life, but we know we will celebrate with John in the future. For now, we encourage everyone to have a beer in memory of John.
He will be remembered fondly by his family and friends.
Love you – Sal
Johnny was a fun loving man that was always there to put a smile on your face. Offer a cigarette, beer or vodka, and knowledge
Many knew him as “Smoky” or “Smokalotosky”
His relationship with Sal was a true love story, they loved each other so much with passion, laughter, and tenderness from the moment they met until the end
in the last few months I learned so much more about this man that I never was told and it made me just love him more
The world is a sadder, poorer place without you Johnny. I miss your brilliance and kindness.
Loving you always Dad