George Raymond Stecko

We are saddened to announce the passing of George Raymond Stecko on September 14th 2015 at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, BC. George was born in Northern Valley, Alberta, the youngest of nine children of Nick and Anna Stetsko. He is survived by his wife Andrée (nee Tardif), son Pierre (Kim Benham), daughter Joanne (Alex Laanela), and four grandchildren - Justine Stecko, Ari Laanela, Lauren Stecko and Tia Laanela. Pre-deceased by daughter Michelle. Raised on the Stetsko farm in Elk Point Alberta , he moved west to Lake Cowichan in 1947 at the age of 16 and worked as a logger and then as a logging truck driver. In 1953, he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and expanded his adventures, training as an electrical technician. Completed a first tour of duty in Europe (1955-1959) and returned to Canada where he met his wife Andrée, whom he loved dearly. He and Andrée were married in 1962 prior to a second tour of duty in Europe (1962-1967). They returned to Canada (Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake, Alberta) in 1967, and started a family. George and his family moved to Canadian Forces Base Bagotville, Quebec in 1972 and spent joyful days with friends and family, including the extended Tardif family. Following his dream to retire to the west coast, he moved to Canadian Forces Base Comox, British Columbia in 1978. George retired from the Air Force in 1986 after 33 years of dedicated service. He worked his way from electrical technician working on airplanes, radar installations and armaments to retire as the head of missile maintenance in Comox. Not one to slow down, George's retirement was filled with travel, building a new house, working part time at the air tanker base, gardening, fishing and spending time with family and friends. George was a gregarious and generous man with a great sense of humour who loved telling stories, interacting with others and cherishing his family. He enjoyed the great outdoors, especially hiking, fishing and hunting. He was truly dedicated and hardworking in all of his life's endeavours. We have been blessed to have George as a husband, father, grandfather and friend and his memory will remain in our hearts.

Celebration of Life