STOLK, Bill

Bill Stolk
1938 – 2024
William Stolk, beloved husband of Darlien Stolk, passed away in Taber on Monday, December 30, 2024 at the age of 86 years.
The Funeral Service will be held at Knox United Church, 4929 – 50 Avenue, Taber on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. Burial to follow at the Taber Memorial Garden. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at www.southlandfuneral.com.
Those who are unable to attend and wish to view the service online may do so by visiting Bill’s obituary page on our website and clicking on the livestream link that will be available at 10:45 A.M. on Saturday, January 4, 2025. Barring any technical difficulties, the livestream will begin at 11:00 A.M.
Bill was born March 19, 1938 in Naaldyk, Holland to Frank and Cora Stolk. In 1949, at the age of eleven, the family immigrated to Canada. They came by ship to Quebec then headed west by train to Lethbridge and settled in Picture Butte. In 1952, the family moved to the Purple Springs area to take up farming. In 1963 Bill bought his then first quarter of land and a few years later enlarged the farm to a half section. He found he preferred working cattle to grain and vegetables, so he grew his herd to ninety but still kept mixed farming as well. In later years as Bill began to slow down, he went from cow calf to bred heifers. He eventually was tired and moved into Taber to enjoy a little bit of life without the problems that follow a farmer. Bill loved his home in Taber. He loved to sit on the patio during the golfing season and watch the golfers go by. A few would even stop in for a beer before they would carry on through.
Bill married Darlien on March 14, 1964 and they had four children, Shirley, Darren, Jacqueline and Shari Jo. In 1981, Bill and Darlien took their family on a bus trip to Disneyland. Over the years they took more trips to Hawaii, Venezuela and Barbados. He loved to travel but only if the farm was in good hands while he was away.
Bill also loved fishing! Whether it be at Sherburne, Chin, The Forks, Port Hardy or Kitimat, he found fishing peaceful. He also played old timer’s hockey and enjoyed curling. Another love of Bill’s was hockey, especially watching Darren play. He would warm up the little truck to take Darren into town to practice in the early mornings.
Sickness came for Bill starting in 2001 and he beat lung cancer four times thanks to the care of two specialists, one always calling Bill his miracle man.
In August of 2011, Bill walked his youngest daughter down the aisle in Prince Edward Island and gained a son-in-law, Darren J. Bill also has a daughter-in-law Evelyn, who joined his family in 2001. His four grandchildren were the apple of his eye.
Bill was a man of love and patience. He was always willing to lend a hand. He’d always say, “many hands make light work”. Bill taught his family to work hard, be proud and always give thanks. He also taught them to take care of one another, that everything has value and to rest every Sunday. He was very proud of his family and had a love for Darlien like no other. Bill will be dearly missed.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Bill’s name may be made directly to the Taber and District Health Foundation, 4326 – 50 Avenue, Taber, Alberta T1G 1N9 (www.tdhf.ca).
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.