Philip Warren Stokes of Dunmore, Alberta, beloved husband of Isabel, passed away suddenly Friday, May 10, 2024, at the age of 73 years, due to heart complications.
Besides his loving wife Isabel, Phil is survived by his children Lance (Lisa), Lisa (Eztiaan) Groenewald and their daughters Aria and Laila. He is also survived by his sisters Cathy Abusow, Linda Stokes, Debbie (Alan) Crawford, and brothers Jim and David. Also left to cherish Phil’s memory are Isabel’s siblings Cliff (Donna) Ruud, Rose (Dave) Frissell, Shelley (Darren) Lukasiewich, and Lori (Cal) Eyben, and many nieces and nephews. Phil was predeceased by his Dad, Robert, his Mom, Wilma, his father-in-law John Ruud and his mother-in-law Peggy Ruud, as well as one brother-in-law, Alex Abusow. Phil is also predeceased by Thor, his crazy chihuahua that disliked pretty much everyone except Phil.
Phil held many jobs over the years, but his first career move was from Ontario to the Northwest Territories in 1970 where he took a position as a Power Lineman for CN Telecommunications. In 1974, he came to work in Alberta for AGT and that is where he met Isabel, who was working as a Telephone Operator in Edmonton (one ringy dingy!). Phil completed his education as a Journeyman Electrician and in 1984, went to work for Bouchard Electric in Lloydminster. In 1986, another move was in order and Phil became a Tax Assessor for Municipal Affairs in Peace River, which brought him to Medicine Hat in 1990. In 1996, Phil started his own company, Southern Evaluation Consultants and began working for Cypress County in the Property Tax Department until his retirement in 2020.
Phil was a larger-than-life personality with an even bigger laugh. Oh, how we are all going to miss that laugh! Phil was anything but shy, and was happy to give you his opinion on just about anything whether you asked for it or not! He answered to many nicknames and loved them all – Stroker, Philly, Philly Cheese, Cheez Wagon, and Phil Depot to name a few. Phil Depot was a favorite because if you needed to borrow a tool, Phil likely had more than one or two of them on his garage shelves and probably still in their original box. He was most fond of his nickname given to him by his granddaughter Laila, “Philly Cheeto”.
Phil was a stickler for details and anything he undertook was done to a meticulous level. He was also a collector of just about anything that wasn’t nailed down. From comic books and stamps, to fossils, DVD’s and hockey cards. Oh, the hockey cards! Poor Isabel. One of Phil’s favorite activities was to bring home a new box of hockey cards, open packs, and “pull cards” with Lance hoping for an autograph from a top player. Phil participated in many stamp and card shows and really enjoyed the hobby.
Along the way, Phil had a volunteer stint coaching basketball when his daughter Lisa played for a school team and he also coached/managed minor hockey and in-line hockey when Lance played for teams in Medicine Hat. Probably the most memorable trip being to Las Vegas for an in-line hockey tournament.
Another favorite activity for Phil over more recent years was getting together with his buddies every Wednesday night for wings and a Caesar – “not too spicy”. Phil is going to be missed at these weekly get-togethers, it won’t be the same without Philly there. It was always a mystery what he was going to order and how long it might take – goes with being meticulous! Phil also loved a good party and he is going to be missed at family get-togethers and the many gatherings in Dunmore with the gang Isabel has affectionately named, the “Dunmore Morons” famous for their Dunmore tuxedoes.
Phil was a classic rocker at heart and in the words of Uriah Heep, from one of his favorite songs, “Easy Livin’”:
This is a thing I’ve never known before, it’s called easy livin’
This is a place I’ve never seen before, and I’ve been forgiven

Rest in Peace Phil, we are all going to miss you so much.

Those who wish to remember Phil may do so with a donation to the SPCA, APARC, or an animal rescue of your choice. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Stokes’ home in Dunmore, 555 – 10 Street on July 3rd, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. Phil was an Oilers fan and, in his honor, please wear your favorite hockey jersey (even you Flames fans). All friends and family are welcome to attend.
To leave a message of condolence you may visit www.pattisonfuneralhome.com.

• Date : 2024-05-10
• Location : Dunmore, Alberta

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