John Robert Stocking
August 4th, 2012
It is with deepest sorrow we mourn the sudden passing of John Stocking, on August 4, 2012. John was born on April 11, 1938 in Kansas City, Missouri to Mary Jane & Herbert Stocking. John leaves behind his wife; Michaela, daughters; Ruey & Sophie, step-children; Tina, Nicole, Michael & Jordan, and his 5 grandchildren.Few know of John’s life before his career at the University of Calgary. As a student, he attended Grinnell College in Iowa where he received his B.A. (English) in 1960 and then went on to complete a MAT degree (English) with Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education. During the early 1960s John was a young Lieutenant J.G. in the U.S. Coast Guard. He served in the San Francisco Bay Area where he was personally involved in many rescue and recovery missions. Once discharged, John undertook a MFA at the University of British Columbia. It was also during this period that John had his first solo exhibition of screen prints at Vancouver’s Bau-Xi Gallery. He completed his degree in 1967 with a specialization in Chinese painting, and headed the art history courses at the University of Montana until his appointment at the University of Calgary’s Department of Art in 1970. After 42 years of service, John has taught tens of thousands of students, in some years as many as 850 per year. Professor Stocking will be remembered by all not only for his contributions as a respected colleague and a fine teacher, but also because he was so deeply and enormously memorable in himself. Deeply, because he cared so very much about others, and enormously, because his gifts, his abilities, his interests and ideas were so very far-reaching. John shall also be missed as a professor, colleague and most importantly a wonderful friend. For those who wish to comment about their memories of John there is a website on Facebook called “John Stocking Lovers”: https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/2263265581/10151984358795582/?notif_t=group_activity
“One day by heart I’ll dance with you, on sand so warm no distance could askew…” ~ Michaela
Arrangements entrusted to Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services of Calgary
It is with sadness and sympathy that I offer my condolences for Johns family and all who knew and loved this wonderful person. I only knew Professor Stocking as an art history teacher at University of Calgary. He touched many lives through his sharing of knowledge, ideas, and love of art and life. For that I am grateful. The mediocre teacher tells, The good teacher explains. the superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires. Professor Stocking was a great teacher to all of the above and more. My condolences to his wife and family. Rita Thorp