Condolences continue coming in regarding the death of Patrick Stokes.
The school and local community continues to remember Rosary School Principal Pat Stokes. (Photo/HFCRD)
The principal of Rosary School in Manning passed away on July 19, 2017 at the age of 50.
He was taking pictures of a sunset when, according to a police report by Okotoks RCMP, he was walking along Big Rock Trail west of the community when he was hit by a 1998 Toyota Corolla, which was trying to pass another vehicle at the time.
Holy Family Catholic Regional Division (HFCRD) Superintendent Betty Turpin told the Trending 55 Newsroom that the school community, as well as the community of Manning, remains in shock at what happened.
“Pat’s worked at the school for 27 years,” Turpin said. “He started out as a regular teacher, became vice-principal (for 13 years), and then eventually moved into the principal’s position (in 2013).”
She says that there are a lot of fond memories of Stokes during his time with HFCRD.
“I will remember his laugh,” said Turpin. “He was a nice, quiet man who brought a lot of humour to the principal table within our division.”
According to his obituary, he also coached many sports at the school, and was always proud of the achievements of his players and students.
Stokes is survived by his wife, Louise, as well as his mother and two siblings.
A funeral service is set to take place at the Snodgrass Funeral Chapel in High River on Tuesday, July 25, 2017 at 10 AM.
Turpin says there will be people from the school division who will be heading to attend the funeral
“There are some staff members from Rosary who are attending,” she said. “As well, myself and an assistant superintendent will be attending, as well as a past principal who’s worked with him for many years, and knows him well. He’s already in the area on vacation, so he’ll be able to attend as well.”
Okotoks RCMP say that an investigation remains underway, but that they’ve determined that alcohol didn’t play a factor into the crash. No charges have been laid.
– Posted by BET
