Obituary of Darryl Wayne Stotski

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Darryl Wayne Stotski.  He left us at 6:33 a.m. on Thursday, October 24, 2024.  Darryl embodied the goodness in everything he did.

Darryl will be missed by his wife Jeannine; children Sydney and Eric; his parents Audrey and Charlie Bednar and Don and Dawn Stotski; and his sister Della.  He is also survived and truly loved by his in-laws Eva Nicol; Jane and Len Dupre; Jacquie and Will Habing; Joanne and Bill Mitchell; along with numerous aunties, uncles and cousins whom he cherished deeply.  Darryl adored his incredible nephews and niece Richard, Brendan, Jonny, Cory, Brittany and Jesse.  He took great pride in watching them grow into the remarkable individuals they are today.

Darryl also leaves behind a family of friends he referred to as "our people":  Marni and Lyle, Joe and Liz, Stacey and Vic, Bruce and Michele, and Cindy and Leo. He treasured every laugh and moment shared with you, and while our time together feels far too short, his spirit will live on in the memories we created. We will imagine him with us at bocce, throwing the pallino and reminding us to focus because there’s always more game to play.

Born in Swan River and raised in Caliento, Darryl's formative years on the farm were filled with adventure. Whether he was pretending to be G.I. Joe, dirt biking, hunting, or chasing baseballs, his love for the outdoors and sports was evident from an early age.  Educated at Shevchenko School in Vita, he was inseparable from his best friend Dwayne Bodz.  Many great times were had and Darryl played every sport possible.  Shevchenko Sabres forever!!

Darryl's deep passion for hockey allowed him to meet countless people and forge lifelong friendships with his teammates. He began his journey with the Sundown Hawks and continued with the Steinbach Millers, Pembina Valley Hawks, Dauphin Kings, Flin Flon Bombers, and the St. James Canucks. In addition to hockey, Darryl loved playing baseball and softball, often competing with various teams, though his favourites were the ZVC Dodgers and the Dugbank Dummies.  When injuries prevented him from playing competitive sports, Darryl turned to coaching his children in Oakbank. As a coach, he was unparalleled—encouraging and inspiring Sydney and Eric, along with their teammates to excel in all sports. He took immense joy in sharing those moments, celebrating their victories and supporting them through challenges. His legacy lives on in the values he instilled in his children, teaching them to stand up for what is right and to lead with compassion.

Darryl was a natural leader who inspired those around him. He led by example, always putting others first and guiding with compassion and wisdom, leaving a lasting impact on everyone he touched. Darryl dedicated his life to uplifting others, particularly through volunteering and his work with the Bruce Oake Memorial Foundation, where the cafeteria at the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre was recently dedicated to him.  He was passionate about giving back, where he forged meaningful connections and warmly welcomed everyone he met. His unwavering dedication to helping others exemplified his belief in the power of kindness.

Darryl loved living in Oakbank and embraced the community spirit. He relished the stories shared over beverages, the camaraderie of playing and coaching sports, and the joy of backyard gatherings filled with laughter and fun. Always ready to lend a helping hand, he appreciated the strong friendships that he made along the way. Darryl took comfort in knowing that his friends and neighbours would continue to support his family, embodying the kindness and generosity he had always shown throughout his life.

Proud of his Ukrainian heritage, Darryl could always be coaxed into a spirited Ukrainian dance, bringing laughter and joy wherever he went.

In his passing, Darryl is welcomed into the arms of his Gido and Baba Maxymowich; Gido and Baba Stotski; and Uncles Eugene, Bill, and Dan Maxymowich; along with his father-in-law John Nicol; sister-in-law Jodi; and nephew Spencer. 

Darryl’s absence leaves a void in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of love, kindness, and dedication will continue to inspire and uplift us. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 3:00 pm at the Canad Inns Club Regent. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Bruce Oake Memorial Foundation, honouring his commitment to community and compassion.

Darryl, your kindness touched everyone you met.  We will carry your spirit forward, and as you always said, “just be happy.” 

We will love you always!