HAROLD STERN
Posted: September 18th, 2025
HAROLD STERN 1931~ 2025
It is with deep love and sadness that we announce the passing of our loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather Harold Stern, who left this world peacefully surrounded by love on September 15, 2025, at the age of 94 years. Harold leaves to cherish his memory his children; Randy, Brian (Peggy), Janice (Robin), Greg (Katherine), and Russ (Lise), grandchildren; Stacey (Robin), Carla, Jody (Darrel), Kendra, Brandi (Tom), Jordan, Jesse, Dawson (Aleah), great grandchildren; Logan, Rylan, James, Caiden, Paizley, Blayre, Kyree, Taia, Cheyenne, Jackson and Lily; brother Ken (Lil) Stern, in laws Pauline Stern, Ben Paul and Michelle Paul, nieces and nephews, loving family members and friends.
Harold was predeceased by his wife Delores Stern (Paul), parents Allen and Christina Stern, grandson Jason Stern, companion Marion Sjolie, brother and sister in-law Howard and June Stern, niece Valerie Reed, brother Archie Stern, nephew Darrell Stern, in-laws Dan and Emma Paul, Grant and Tillie Knowles, Marie Paul, Betty Straub, niece Shelley Straub, and other relatives and friends who were truly missed.
Dad was raised on the family farm near Golden Prairie, Saskatchewan. The eldest of four brothers he learned early on the merits of discipline and responsibility. His parents instilled in him a strong work ethic, compassion, kindness and respect for others. These attributes defined him throughout his life.
In March 1948 at 16 years of age Dad left the farm seeking work in Medicine Hat. He would often reminisce how he arrived in Medicine Hat by train one day and the next day he was gainfully employed at the Brick & Tile. It was a source of pride for Dad that he was never out of a job from that day forward. Dad encouraged his parents and the family to relocate to Medicine Hat which they did within a few months of his arrival.
Downsizing at the Brick & Tile led to positions with the CPR shovelling coal; shovelling coal for the mining company; and labouring at Medicine Hat Greenhouses. On the long weekend of May 1949 Dad joined the workforce of Dominion Glass in Redcliff. It was there that he met his future wife, Delores Paul. They were married November 3, 1953, and bore five children. The perfect couple, they worked hard and played harder. Their love of life and each other sustained them throughout the good times and the bad. They never lost sight of what was important and harboured a deep respect for family, friends, their children and each other.
With an eye for detail and a die-hard perfectionist Dad excelled at carpentry. This natural skill served him well as he personally took on the task of many of his own home renovations. Carpentry was not a feasible career choice because, as he noted, carpentry at that time was a seasonal occupation and he had a family to support. Family always came first with Dad.
Tragedy struck when Dad lost Mom to cancer September 25, 1966, just short of their 13th wedding anniversary. With the support of family and friends Dad kept his family together as he had promised he would. An insurmountable task but his resolve never wavered. Another testament to his strength of character.
May long-weekend in 1959 Dad began apprenticing in autobody mechanics at Beny Motors. He wrote his final exams and became a licensed body-man in 1963. With an eye to the future, he went into partnership in 1963 and worked diligently to make Elmer & Harold’s Auto Body a successful business. In 1984 he sold his share in the business and in the same year supported his sons in the start-up of Stern Bros. Auto Body. Dad was a constant presence at the shop until retirement of the business in 2022. He was 91 years old.
Semi-retirement suited Dad well. An avid traveller he explored western Canada, many of the states including Hawaii and spent 16 winters in Yuma, Arizona. His life companion of over 30 years, Marion Sjolie, shared his love of travel and together they raised the bar on the level of enjoyment of a life lived with much laughter and joy. They dined out on a weekly basis and faithfully held season tickets to the Medicine Hat Tigers. They shared their life until her death in 2012. Her loss was deeply felt.
Dad was passionate about playing baseball, camping and bowling. Monday night bowling was a mainstay in his life for over 40 years. He won a plethora of trophies and formed life-long friendships with his teammates. He took up golfing later in life and although he admitted he suffered at the sport he still managed to score a hole in one on two occasions. That was a great source of amusement for him.
Community minded, Dad was an active member in various organizations. He particularly enjoyed his years with the Kiwanis Club where he had an opportunity to serve as President in 1977- 1978.
Dad held a fondness for big cars. He rarely purchased new vehicles but always meticulously maintained his vehicles in a new state. Cars were not a source of ego for him; he enjoyed them for what they were.
Dad suffered great loss in his life but always handled it with grace and dignity. In his immortal words “we have to take it as it comes” he found the strength to endure what came his way. Strong words from a strong man.
Dad was a kind, compassionate human being whose love of family cannot be equalled. His sense of humour, underlying wit, and unwavering commitment to a life well lived even in the face of hardship and adversity made him a source of inspiration for those who knew him best. Kind, honourable and a gentleman’s gentleman; the world will be a colder place without him in it.
The family wishes to express deep gratitude to Dr. Cloete, the paramedics, the emergency room doctors, nurses and staff. Special thanks to the compassionate team of doctors, nurses and staff at St. Joseph’s for the kindness, dignity, and care shown to Dad and our family in his final days.
The celebration of Harold’s life will take place in the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTRE on Monday, September 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with Life Celebrant, David Townsend officiating. Family and friends who wish to pay their respects may do so at the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTRE on Sunday, September 21, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. and on Monday, September 22, one hour prior to the service. The service will be live streamed. Those who wish to attend virtually, please visit Harold’s obituary page on our website, for the link. In lieu of flowers, donations my be made to Carmel Hospice (St. Joseph’s Home) c/o 156 – 3 St. NE, Medicine Hat, T1A 5M1. A private interment will take place in the Hillside Cemetery. To leave a message of condolence you may visit www.pattisonfuneralhome.com.
PATTISON FUNERAL HOME
AND CREMATORIUM
540 South Railway St. SE,
Medicine Hat T1A 4C2