HORODYSKI, Stan

1936 – 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Stanley “Stan” Adam Horodyski; a devoted husband, father, Papa/Grandpa, friend, and passionate labour leader, on Monday, June 16, 2025, at the age of 88 years. Stan was born on Wednesday, September 23, 1936, and leaves behind countless cherished memories that we and our beloved mother will hold forever. We are deeply grateful for every treasured moment we shared. His legacy of love, unmistakable charm, and his enduring devotion to Sheila will live on in all of us. Our dad was a humble gentleman, well-informed, worldly, and always eager for an intelligent conversation about world events, especially politics. He carried a genuine interest in the lives of his children and grandchildren, whether it was about school, work, or daily life. As a young father, he enjoyed playing sports like softball, basketball and floor hockey with the Port Mann Athletic Club. He also enjoyed coaching local football and baseball for Newton Associations. We have fond memories of mom and dad taking us camping in the summer to Osoyoos and traveling the world. He was a hands-on Papa/Grandpa, always smiling and encouraging, offering his wisdom whenever he could to his dear family and friends. He looked back on these times as a father and Papa/Grandpa fondly and loved to reminisce and relive these times through his family photos. It is hard to imagine a “Stan-less world,” and he will be missed deeply. Stan began his career in 1952, seeking a railway trade apprenticeship during a period of booming opportunity. After considering many options, he chose to become a Railway Carman—a demanding trade requiring skills in carpentry, steelwork, welding, fabrication, painting, upholstering, and air brake systems. He began his apprenticeship with CNR on Wednesday, October 1, 1952, at the Port Mann Shops in Surrey, BC, later completing specialized training in Vancouver and Kamloops. He completed his apprenticeship on Friday, October 3, 1957, and remained at Port Mann. Stan’s lifelong commitment to labour leadership began early. He joined the Brotherhood Railway Carmen of America in 1953 and quickly became active in union life, serving in multiple roles before being elected Local Chairman at Port Mann in 1964. From then on, his career was dedicated to protecting and advancing the rights of railway workers. He went on to serve as General Chairman of the Mountain Region (1972–1983), representing workers across British Columbia and Alberta, and later became System Chairman for the Brotherhood Railway Carmen in Ottawa (1983–1986). In 1986, Stan was elected National President of the Brotherhood Railway Carmen of Canada, where he served until 1990. His leadership and influence were integral, when he led the Brotherhood through the historic merger with the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW), ensuring strong protections for railway workers nationwide. Even in retirement, Stan continued his advocacy. From 1996 to 2006, he was elected National President of the CN Pensioners Association, championing pensioner rights, survivor benefits, and healthcare protections. His leadership helped establish stronger communication with members through the CN Pensioner’s Newsletter and left a lasting impact on generations of retirees and their families. Stan is lovingly remembered by his wife Sheila (nee Barker), with whom he shared 73 years; daughter Debbie (Barrie); son Jason (Sharla) and their children Emma, Claire, and Ella; son Jeramie (Christina) and their children Corie and Jay; daughter Glenda; daughter Amy (Gerald) and their sons Henry and Edison; daughter Emily (Aaron); son Stanley Jr. (Janice) and their children Kevin (Megan) and his children Brooklyn, Ethen, Genevieve and Jeshannah, Kyleen (Dave) and their daughters Kiley and Sydney, and Brian (Katie) and their daughter Wren. He is also survived by his sister Helen; his brothers Peter and Don; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, and countless friends across British Columbia, Alberta, North America, and abroad. Above all, Stan was a man of integrity—humble, direct, and committed to fairness. He was a beacon of hope and collaboration, a true steward of working people. Beyond his remarkable career, Stan loved the simple joys of life: lively political discussions with his loved ones, sports banter about the Canucks and BC Lions with his son and son-in-law, chats with neighbours, and even small acts of kindness like picking up carnations for Sheila. His presence filled every room with warmth. We will forever miss his voice, his laughter, his wisdom, and his love. We look for him in everyday moments—at family gatherings, in the news, in a song, in a passing smile—and though we miss him dearly, we carry him in our hearts always. We love you forever Dad. Cremation entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, Red Deer, Alberta. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com

Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium (Red Deer)

ONLY LOCALLY FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FUNERAL HOME/CREMATORIUM

IN THE CITY OF RED DEER

“Caring Community Compassion Since 1999”

6287 – 67A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

• Date : 2025-11-08
• Location : (Red Deer) LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED (Red Deer/Blackfalds/Eckville) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & (Innisfail/Olds/Didsbury/Sundre) www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com