March 21, 1931 - December 10, 2020
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Francis Stewart 'Cal' Hockley on December 10 at KBRH following a heart attack at home.
Francis was born on March 21, 1931 in Fernie, BC. He was the eighth in a family of eleven children, and his older siblings re-christened him 'Cal' after a community organization mistakenly sent him a dress for Christmas.
He left home as a teenager to play hockey for the Lethbridge Native Sons, and as a young man to play for the New York Rovers. He returned to Fernie to marry his high school sweetheart, Gloria Allen, in 1953. Together they moved to Kimberley where they had two sons. In 1956 they moved to Trail where they had three more children.
Cal played for the Dynamiters in Kimberley, and the Smoke Eaters in Trail.
He was the captain of the team that travelled to Europe and won the World Championship in 1961. He continued as a player, coach, director, league president, BCAHA director, lifetime fan, and a good friend to many teammates and supporters that he met on the way.
His community service included terms on city council and the parks board, and 50 years as a member of the Trail Kiwanis Club. His working days started underground at Kimberley, before he joined the high purity metals group in Trail.
In the early 1970s, he and his brother Bob then formed a trucking company in Castlegar and Cranbrook. He later took up real estate and retired from Coldwell Banker in Trail at age 67.
Cal and Gloria had 66 years as married couple, enjoying their time with old and new friends, and creating happy memories for their surviving four children, thirteen grandchildren and one great granddaughter, plus two generations of spouses and partners. Gloria predeceased Cal in September 2019.
As per Cal's wishes, a family service will be held at a future date. Bill Clark of Alternatives Funeral and Cremation ServicesTM has been entrusted with arrangements.
As an expression of sympathy, donations should be made to any local charity.
Gone from the reach of our hands, but still present in our hearts, may Cal and Gloria together enjoy the company of all the family and friends who went before them.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family's online register at www.myalternatives.ca
Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services