Charles W. Stockey

In Loving Memory of Charles Wilson Stockey, July 4, 1917 to September 17, 2004

When Charles Stockey first began his discussions with the Festival of the Sound we don’t imagine he realised he was also going to become such a beloved member of the “Festival Family.” Nor did we realise that along with the gift he gave to our community he would give so many of us the gift of his friendship.

Charles was honest, he was fun, and he was sincere. He made it his business to know about everything, and he always had an opinion about how things should be done. From acoustics to how to lay stone properly, he was involved, and took a keen interest in the design and construction of the performing arts centre. I can still remember the smile on his face as he cut the ribbon on opening day. He was very proud of the centre and he frequented the lobby before and after concerts to discuss the building and the music with everyone he met.

We feel honoured to have known Charles during the last few years of his life. We spent time with him here in Parry Sound and at his home in Victoria. Last spring, in Victoria, on our last visit with him, already quite ill, he said that he was most comfortable behind the wheel. Leaving the other drivers in his dust with a casual comment about how much horsepower his car had, he treated us to a racing car driver’s trip “up Island”.

We spent time in the kitchen of their lovely home perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean. We talked about a lifetime of experiences, discovering how much we had in common. Travels to the same places, tales of the old sports cars we had owned, the merits of fine photographic equipment, fine art, sculpture and of course, always music. He delighted us with his story of meeting Lois in Zihuatenjo, Mexico and how he “rescued” her from one hotel, to take her to another of his choice. Together they lived an adventurous and fulfilling life. At one point Charles, with the frustration of knowing his time was short, said “we should have met years ago” and we felt the same regret.

We will always treasure the few years we did share. He will forever be part of the “Festival Family”, our friend, and a part of our community. His contribution was the key in making it possible to build our performing arts centre, of which we are all so proud. His legacy will continue to have a positive impact on the Festival of the Sound and all performing arts in our community. How proud and happy he would have been if he could have seen the looks on the faces of the hundreds of children from local schools at a performance of classical music in the “Stockey Centre” this past February.

Alan and Charlotte Stein