JOHN STARK

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JOHN STARK November 10, 1921- August 26, 2002 Peacefully, at the Riverview Health Centre, on Monday, August 26, 2002, after a courageous battle with A.L.S. His loving wife, Betty and his son John, will forever cherish his memory. His parents, Wilhelm and Agnes Stark, and two brothers predeceased him in infancy. John was born in Morris, MB, on November 10, 1921. He spent his early years living in Morden, Winnipeg, Giroux and Steinbach. He received his high school education in Steinbach and served in the Canadian Armed Forces for three years during the Second World War. He worked in construction for many years and then taught carpentry at the Red River College for 26 years. John loved life, people and travel. He was strong and healthy throughout his life until his knee operations in later years. In the summer of 2000 he noticed the first symptoms of his disease. In September he felt a weakness in his left hand and arm, making it difficult to hold his cane. After many months of testing ad consulting he was diagnosed with A.L.S. (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) or Lou Gehrigs disease. The journey with A.L.S. has been one of the most difficult and devastating events in his life. Yet, John was so strong and fought so hard with such will and determination. A word of thanks goes to the many people who have contributed in our A.L.S. journey in so many incredible ways. The family expresses their special thanks to family and friends for their support and prayers. Friends may call for visitation between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 29 at Klassen Funeral Chapel, 1879 Henderson Hwy. There will be a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 30 at Grant Memorial Baptist Church, 877 Wilkes Ave., with Pastor Tom Castor officiating. Following a reception at the church, interment will be in Steinbach Heritage Cemetery, Steinbach. He will be forever grateful to all the doctors, nurses and HomeCare personnel who afforded him every comfort and dignity in fulfilling his wish to stay at home. The family also wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the doctors, nurses and staff of the Riverview Health Centre for the care and compassion given to John during his final two weeks. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the A.L.S. Society of Manitoba, Deer Lodge Centre, 2109 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R3J 0L3. Arrangements entrusted to Klassen Funeral Chapel, 338-0331.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 29, 2002