Leo Major Stratholt, “Poppa” to his grand and great grandchildren, left us quietly after 93 years of a full life, July 31st at the VGH with his family at his bedside. He follows his sister Olga, brother Francis and his beloved wife Jacqueline.
Leo was born in Victoria, BC, the son of Frederick and Ruby Stratholt on April 18th, 1931. He graduated from Mt. View High School in 1948. His early employment was as a logger in the Vancouver Island forest industry prior to meeting and marrying the love of his life Jacqueline (Linley). Leo and Jacqueline were soon blessed with a succession of children and in order to be closer to his growing family Leo pursued higher education, going on to undergraduate and graduate degrees (Honours) in Education from the University of Victoria. His top marks earned him a position in Victoria where he had a long and distinguished career as a teacher, coach and Vice Principal with the Victoria School District, working for over 30 years at George Jay, Hillcrest, Craigflower, Margaret Jenkins, Braefoot and McKenzie Elementary Schools.
Leo retired in 1990 and spent many years enjoying close proximity to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. “Poppa” and “IE’s” (Jacqueline) house on Mt. Douglas Cross Road was very often crowded with friends and family enjoying birthdays, holidays and get-togethers. When he wasn’t traveling the world with Jacqueline, Leo pursued his hobbies of fishing, golfing and biking the Galloping Goose trail.
Leo is survived by his children: Timothy (Anne), Daphne (Richard), Miles (Leslie), Martin, Gretchen (Brad), and Gillian (Stuart), his grandchildren Arlys (Vivienne), Rebecca (Greg), Grayson, Arielle, Taylor (Tyler), Mallory (Jordan), Rudy, (Amy), Veronica (Evan), Mason, Hunter (Myka), Leo, Lillian, and great grandsons, Joseph, Cole, Korbin, Kaiden, Rylan and Colson.
A celebration of Leo’s life will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC, on Monday, August 26, 2024, at 2:00 pm.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Olga Chmyliwsky
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Michelle Barber To my dear friend, Gretchen, and of course Gillian, Daphne, Martin, Myles, Tim and all the extended family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. I regret that I will not be able to attend the service on August 26th as I am joining my family in the UK and will be away.I was never able to call Mr. Stratholt by his first name as I met him when I became a friend of Gretchen’s and close to the family at eight years old. I have fond memories of both parents through the years, living just around the corner on Cedar Hill road and attending many of the events and get-togethers held at their home on Mt. Doug X Rd. Eventually, as I moved away and became a teacher, I recall many fun chats with Mr. Stratholt about teaching. He was an amazing person who had such a presence of strength and kindess at the same time. I often envied the wonderful love and bond between so many siblings and their extended family. I know this must all be heartbreaking but I am glad that all of you had so many great memories with him as he got older.
I wish all of you love and best wishes as you move forward in your lives. His passing has made me reflect a lot over the last couple of weeks on the old days and how important people can make an imprint on one’s life. Both your parents were lovely, passionate, feisty, and wonderful people and parents. I imagine they are together now looking down with a smile on you all.
With love, Michelle and my family- husband Gary, and sons Michael and Colin
Dear Gillian,
David and I are very sorry for your loss. We would have
enjoyed knowing your dad, and sharing education stories.
Condolences to Stuart, Taylor, Mallory, and Veronica,
and the rest of the family.