Obituary of Stuart David Lock

February 9, 1943 – Montreal, Quebec

July 19, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with profound sadness that the family of Stuart “Stu” David Lock announces his passing on Friday, July 19, 2024, at the Rockyview Hospital in Calgary at the age of 81 years. He was a devoted son, husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend.

Stu was born in Montreal, QC, on February 9, 1943, to Maude and Henry Lock. He went to Lake of Two Mountains High School where he was a passionate football player who eyed playing with the Alouettes before being sidelined with injuries.

On June 25, 1966, Stu married the love of his life Ann and the two began their journey together. Stu had begun his career as a warehouse manager for Goodyear Tire and Rubber, where he began to dream of heading out west to lay down foundations for the future. In August of 1975, their family grew with the arrival of Stu’s pride and joy his beautiful daughter Kelly. Together they began their adventure to Calgary in September of 1975, renting a U-Haul and driving across the country. Stu first found a job at ATCO Metals which helped the family begin to settle into their new city with the family buying their first home in Castleridge. Stu had a strength and resolve about him that was unmatched, when you needed someone, he was always there. He demonstrated this endlessly and always supported and stood by his family. When he arrived in Calgary, he worked tirelessly pounding the pavement looking for a new home for his family.

Stu embraced the culture of Calgary. He celebrated the spirit of Alberta and its Western heritage. He never missed a Calgary Stampede and his cowboy hat, and boots were well-worn and well-treasured. Stu loved Westerns, horses, artwork, and music that highlighted the folklore and traditions of the wild, wild, west.

Stu was a quiet and contemplative individual who was devoted to his family, he was a loving, loyal, dependable, hardworking, and trustworthy individual who had many careers over the years including working with Benjamin Moore, and Impact Security. He loved James Bond, Merle Haggard, and George Strait. He could often be heard belting out classic country tunes while driving the car. Stu connected with music he enjoyed lying on the couch and listening to Dinah Washington, Sam Cooke, Dean Martin, and the Ink Spots. Over the years he went to many concerts immersing himself in the experience and he thoroughly enjoyed visiting the Grand Ole Opry, and Graceland.

Stu was a man of few words; he could be short and to the point, but his heart was always in the right place. He was kind, thoughtful, and would give you the shirt off his back or the last dollar in his wallet. He enjoyed life and had a penchant for cigarettes and rye and coke. He loved to go to Vegas and was always there to support Ann with gambling. He was a traveler and loved visiting Hawaii, the Bahamas, Florida, Memphis, Branson, the Western United States, Wales, Scotland, England, New York State, and spending summers in Kelowna. 

Despite Stu’s gruff exterior, his big heart could be seen in his love for animals and his family. He grew up surrounded by pet dogs and would adoringly provide them with love and affection. He loved his birds and would often let them fly freely through the home or train them to say, “mom’s a drunk", demonstrating his great sense of humour and quick wit.

Stu’s moustache gave him great notoriety and was a sense of pride. It was always well-maintained and could be seen from across the room. This was validated when Lanny MacDonald went out of his way at a local Tim Horton’s to compliment Stu on his great achievement. Stu’s deep pride in his Canadian identity was a fundamental part of who he was, and he took it very seriously if you consider his love for his Timmies. Stu could often be found with a coffee and an apple fritter in his hand. He shared his love for the iconic treats with his nephew Jon and they often spent their time together enjoying their favourite treats.

He loved to spend his time with the people who mattered most to him and throughout his life there were always family get-togethers and celebrations, sharing memories, camping, singing, and keeping up on the latest gossip. One of the most memorable trips was when we joined the Schmidts at Waterton Lakes campground and as Jeff has said, “Everybody should have an Auntie Ann and Uncle Stu.”

He was a simple man with a big heart and will be forever missed by his family and friends.

Stu is survived by his wife Ann, his daughter Kelly, his sister Jeannie (Rocco), sister-in-law Carol, nieces, Jennifer (Karl) and Kristen (Derek); nephews, Bruce (Dawn), Jon, Michael (Monique), and Paul; his cousins, Arthur and Gail; as well as extended friends and family. Stu was predeceased by his mother and father, his sister Mary, his brothers-in-law, Billy, Norman, and Alex; and sister-in-law Lorna.

As per Stu’s wishes, there will be no funeral service, and a Celebration of his Life will be held at a later date.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Stu’s family here.

In living memory of Stuart “Stu” Lock, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.