Well-known Alberta trucking executive passes away

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EDMONTON, Alta. – The Alberta trucking community has lost one of its most prominent members with the death of William “Bill” Sokil.

Sokil, 83, was president and CEO of Edmonton-based Sokil Transportation Group, a company that has 877 pieces of equipment and 270 employees.

Sokil also held the title of director-at-large with the Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA), a position that built upon Sokil’s two terms as president of the AMTA (formerly the Alberta Trucking Association). He was president from 1971-1972 and again for the 1979-1980 term. Sokil also served as chair of the Canadian Trucking Alliance.

“I always had the greatest respect for his dynamic approach and ability to move issues forward to solution,” said Richard Warnock, acting executive director, AMTA. “Our industry owes him a debt of gratitude for his leadership.”

According to the AMTA, Sokil was “actively involved in legislative and regulatory affairs at the municipal, provincial, federal and international levels. He was regarded by many as a major force in the industry who led in a quiet way, someone who was ahead of his time and made things better for the entire industry.”

In remembering Sokil, David Bradley, president and CEO, Canadian Trucking Alliance, described him as “one of the Alberta trucking pioneers and one of its great personalities.

However, Bill’s contribution and influence extended well beyond Alberta.” Bradley noted Sokil was “one of the architects of Canada’s current truck weights and dimensions standards. He will be missed. Our sympathies to Bill’s sons, Greg and Rob, and to the entire Sokil family.”

Along with his sons and their families, he is survived by his brother Russell. Members of the Sokil family are directly involved in the day-today operation of the Sokil Transportation Group, and the company, which was founded by Bill and Russell’s parents, remains a family-run operation.

A prayer service will be held on Friday, May 2 at 8:00PM at Park Memorial Chapel, 9709-111 Avenue, while the funeral service is on Saturday, May 3 at 11:00AM at Park Memorial Chapel, with interment to follow at Rosehill Cemetery.

In lieu of other tributes, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, NWT and Nunavut, 10985-124 Street, Edmonton, Alta., T5M 0H9. A an online book of condolences is at www.parkmemorial.com.

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  • I have, like so many, some very fond memories of Bill from days gone by. A true gentleman who was very proud of his family and respected by industry and customers alike. He will not be forgotten for his contributions. My condolences to his family. God Bless.

  • I have a great respect for him, he gave me a shot in transportation 9 years ago.
    Thank you so much and Cheers to a legendary Man in the industry.

    R.I.P Bill Sokil

    (Vic island driver)