Pisko, Stanley

We wanted him to stay, but STANLEY ROY PISKO has celebrated his last days on this Earth. He passed as peacefully as he stayed. Stanley will be held close in our hearts as the committed husband, caring father and love-giving githo that he was. On Thursday, April 20, 2023 at the age of 87, Stan passed away at St. Michael's Palliative Care Unit. 

Stan was welcomed into this world in Lethbridge on May 16, 1935. He was the youngest of six children born to Joseph and Mary (Seaman) Pisko and was predeceased by his siblings Clarence, Hazel, Andrew, Leonard and Peter. 

After graduating from high school, Stan worked full-time at the Lethbridge Research Centre as a field worker. Throughout his 37-year career at the centre, he was promoted and retired as crop foreman in the Plant Science Division in 1990. Stan's wealth of knowledge about crops and greenery were the roots of his passionate gardening and planting skills. He meticulously cared for his yard, year after year, making sure his family always got fresh vegetables from his harvest, and apples come fall time.  

On April 27, 1957, Stan wed his beloved wife, Joan, whom he cherished throughout their 66 years of marriage. After retiring, Stan and Joan started swinging the golf clubs together, with Stan trying to keep up with Joan. They enjoyed vacations playing rounds of golf at different courses and for many winters, spent time in Palm Springs with close friends. But swinging sticks was nothing new for Stan, as he was passionate about hockey earlier in his life. He played in elementary school, then played on a few other recreation teams as a young man. He also spent years playing racquetball. Another retirement pastime of Stan's was fishing with friends and family, something he took pleasure doing in both summer and winter. When his body needed to slow down, Stan refused to let his mind do the same, so he enjoyed a healthy dose of crib games with his buddies. 

Stan will be missed, yet always celebrated by his wife Joan, his daughters, Charlene Pisko of Lethbridge and Karen (Neville) Galan of Calgary, and their children, Allison (Evan and his son, Caiden), Natalie, and Nathan. His nieces, nephews and cousins were also close to Stan's heart and he will surely rest in theirs. Family was of great importance to Stan, as demonstrated by years of frequent visits with his children, grandchildren and their fur-babies. He always made time to socialize and develop a strong circle of friends. Whether he was laughing, chatting or entertaining, Stan warmed the room with his calm and caring presence towards all. 

The family would like to thank the staff at the Renal Dialysis Unit for the care given to Stan during his treatments for the last three years and is grateful to the entire palliative care staff at St. Michael's for their attention given to him during his final days. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at the 3^rd floor Lounge in RIVER RIDGE CONDOMINIUM COMPLEX, 100 - 2^nd Avenue South, Lethbridge on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 2:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, Stan's family will welcome and collect donations from those who wish to give at the celebration, which will be used to purchase some necessary household items for the St. Michael's Palliative Care Unit. Alternatively, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.