George Robert Stoney passed away on Friday, April 24, 2026, at the Dryden Regional Health Centre at the age of 75 years. George was born in Rosetown, Saskatchewan on October 4, 1950, to Milton Ackroyd and Kathleen Elizabeth (nee Harrison) Stoney.
George grew up in Luseland, Saskatchewan. In 1971, while working as a custom combiner, George met and married his wife Esther Louise (nee Coffing) of Mott, North Dakota. They united in marriage on December 6, 1971 in Mott, North Dakota. They moved to Kindersley, Saskatchewan where George worked for Saskatchewan Wheat Pool from 1972-1973. During this time George and Esther also welcomed their oldest son, Gordon David to the family. In 1973, they moved to Coleville, Saskatchewan where George began his truck driving career hauling crude oil in the oilfield. In 1974, they moved to Saskatoon and welcomed a set of twins to the family, Crystal Jean and Milton Kevin.
George worked as a truck driver for the majority of his life. This ranged from long-haul work of reefers, tankers, vans, decks, oversized loads, etc.; to local work of dump trucks, hauling logs and chip trailers. He also did some driving of commercial coaches. If it could be hauled, he hauled it.
With having a young family, George insisted that his wife Esther return to school and obtain a post-secondary degree. He was a hard-working man that saw the potential in people. He saw that potential in his wife, Esther, and provided the means for her to get her degree in Bachelor of Pharmacy.
During this time, George and Esther lost their oldest son, Gordon, to a drunk driver when he was 13 in 1986. The death of their son brought on a drastic change to their lifestyle. George and Esther purchased Morgan horses to find a means to keep the family together while healing from their loss. He also wanted to share his love of horses with his family. There were also numerous weekend excursions to rodeos, horse shows, trade shows, and trips to see new places across the province. This could be immensely expanded on, but George was not one to have his accomplishments pointed out, he would rather see others be built up and would think that this has already been to much time talking about him…. so only a little more to go.
In the fall of 1991, George & Esther moved their family and the horses to the Rainy River District so that Esther could expand her career as a pharmacist. In 1998 they then moved to the Dryden area where they have been since. They continued to raise their horses, and for a few years, they raised Scottish Highlander cattle. George loved his animals, and spending time with them.
George is predeceased by his parents Milton Ackroyd and Kathleen Elizabeth Stoney; and his oldest son Gordon David Stoney.
George is survived by his wife Esther of Dryden, ON; children Crystal (Ed) Gray of Emo, ON; Milton (Stela Hanslip) Stoney of Grand Prairie, AB; Grandchildren Christopher Gray of Emo, ON; Matthew Gray of Emo, ON; and Clinton Gray (special friend Ally Drennan) and Great-grandchildren Abigail and Jace Gray of Emo, ON; and sister Phyllis (Con) Litz of Kelowna, BC.
A Celebration of Life will take place at the Dryden Royal Canadian Legion on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 1-4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to WWF-Canada, 410 Adelaide St. West, Suite 400, Toronto, ON M5V 1S8
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