September 23, 1935 – December 14, 2025
Russel Sokil Obituary
In Loving Memory of Russel Sokil September 23, 1935 – December 14, 2025. We are saddened to announce that Russel Sokil passed away peacefully at his home in Parksville, Vancouver Island on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at the age of 90. Russel’s memory will be cherished by his wife, Joyce Hanson; his daughter, Kimberly Lynn Sokil, and son-in-law, Shivan Boodoo; and his grandsons, Shawn Russel Markowski and Kyle Patrick Markowski. Russ was predeceased by his beloved wife of over 50 years, Ruth (Read); his brother, William Sokil; and his nephew, Robert Sokil.
Born in Egremont, Alberta, Russ spent much of his life in Edmonton before moving to an acreage outside of Ardrossan. A cornerstone of his life was his dedication to the family business. He began working for the Sokil Transportation Group at the young age of 14, eventually becoming a vital fixture in the industry with a primary focus on fleet maintenance. His expertise and work ethic helped shape the company for decades until his semi-retirement in 2009.
Following his move to Parksville on Vancouver Island, Russ embraced coastal life while remaining a loyal fan of his Alberta roots. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he was a devoted supporter of the Edmonton Oilers and the Edmonton Elks (formerly the Eskimos), where he proudly held season tickets since 1955. Russ’s zest for life was evident in his hobbies: He spent countless hours fishing the Georgia Strait aboard his aptly named boat, Money Pit #2. He had a deep love for international travel, exploring as many countries as possible. Known for his great appetite, Russ cherished time spent with his family and grandsons, especially when sampling ethnic cuisines. In his retirement, he discovered a passion for live theatre and enjoyed the camaraderie of the local Admiral Men’s Club. He was also deeply grateful for the wonderful circle of friends and neighbors he gained during his years on the Island. Russel’s legacy of hard work, his sense of humor, and his devotion to his family will be remembered by all who knew him.
A Celebration of Life will be held January 24, 2026, at 2:00 pm Evergreen Funeral Home 16204 Fort Road, Edmonton Please join us in sharing your memories of Russ.