Tribute

It is with deep sadness that our family announces that Daniel George Stark, age 69, of Powell River, British Columbia, Canada has passed away on December 10, 2020. Our family would especially like to thank the nurses and staff at Powell River General Hospital for taking such great attention and care towards Dan in ensuring his comfort during his time of passing.

Daniel was born on August 30, 1951 in Galt, Ontario, Canada to parents Ronald Stark (born November 13, 1929 in Hespeler, Ontario, deceased January 15, 2008) and Lucy Thompson (nee Phillips; born November 24, 1933 in Scarborough, Ontario, deceased September 27, 2006). Daniel, most commonly known as “Danny” or “Dan”, survived his brother Wayne Stark and Kathy Stark and now leaves behind sister Cindy Tattrie (nee Stark) and brother Steven Stark along with many extended family members.

Danny leaves behind two sons, Matthew Stark (Burgess) and Christopher Burgess, who he had with first spouse Elizabeth (deceased). He also leaves behind a daughter, Hannah Stark, who he adopted and raised with her mother, Linda Fowlie (deceased December 8, 2020). He also leaves behind four grandchildren, Andrew Burgess, Danica Burgess, Taylor Burgess (Christopher Burgess) and William Tadashi-Stark (Matthew Stark). As a great grandfather, Danny leaves behind Zach, Nolan and Alivia McDaniel (Danica Burgess).

As soon as he could walk, Danny was off on an adventure. As a young boy, he would prepare a few days worth of food to take with him into the woods. He would return hours later only to have eaten it all. His traveling spirit never ceased, and as a young man, Danny travelled all over the country, often with just a backpack. Danny was known to offer a ride to hitchhikers so long as they read the Boy Scout Manual aloud to him for the duration of the trip. When he visited town, it was a big deal! Everyone knew him as “Big Dan” or “The Big Kahuna” and appreciated his stories of “daring dos”. Danny expressed love by making people laugh and teaching others not to take themselves too seriously. He was known for telling unbelievable and bizarre stories, setting up or playing hilarious tricks and telling silly jokes at every opportunity he got. He would ask “How you be, girl?” and if you weren’t doing great he was ready to bust ’em up if it would make you feel better.  He always knew how to make people smile when they were feeling low. Danny ensured his family knew they could go to him for anything, especially if you were in trouble. He was always there to help in any way he could and you just knew that with him by your side, you were safe and things were not so bad.

Danny was a musician and loved Blues music. He played the Harmonica and Ukulele. He appreciated First Nation culture and artwork as well as Buddhist teachings. His hobbies included flower pressing, collecting items like rocks/ gems, knives and various memorabilia.  He also enjoyed making jewelry out of bone and pipes out of wood. He made the best smoked salmon and beef jerky!

Dan was a “jack of all trades”. He fished crab and worked in the aquaculture industry for many years along the west coast of B.C. He also worked hard pouring concrete throughout the Sunshine Coast. When he lived in Lower Gibson’s, Dan worked on The Beachcombers as a security guard and as an extra in several episodes. In fact, he worked as a security guard at many places simply because of his size. He would often share stories of his time in Prince Rupert as a bouncer. Dan was everyone’s handyman, assisting people in any way needed like cutting grass and taking things to the dump. He worked as the janitor at the mall in Sechelt, Garden Bay Pub and Irvines Landing Pub of Pender Harbour.

Dan was very involved in the communities he lived by just being around or offering his time as a volunteer at local events – he would wear a hat that said “Staff” wherever he went so people would come up to him to ask for assistance. Despite having experienced some of life’s most difficult challenges, Dan never let others or hardship be in his way. He would often say, “Always be prepared”.

A celebration of life is to occur once the public health environment is safe to do so. It is important to our family and friends to share our father’s legacy among those he loved.