George S. Starkovich
November 26, 1917 - March 2, 2012
Obituary
George passed away in the early morning of March 2, 2012 at his home at Sunset of Mercer Island. He was 94 years old. George was born November 26, 1917, near Chehalis, WA. He shared his childhood with six brothers and sisters. He had many wonderful stories of his childhood and the mischief they all managed to get into and also what it was like to live through the depression era. His family later moved to the Renton area where he worked as a coal miner with his father and brothers, eventually going to work at Kenworth Motors as a machinist. He was recently honored as being a member of his union for 55 years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and also earned his real estate license later in life. He loved to garden; he loved to be outdoors; he loved his wine, and he loved his family. He taught by example with a strong work ethic and a strong sense of decency and integrity, and a whole lot of humor. And, he could fix anything! George lost his loving wife of 52 years, Betty, 15 years ago. He is survived by his son, Stephen Starkovich, and his daughter, Patrice Starkovich. He will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital would be greatly appreciated. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 8, 2012, 10:30 AM, at St. Anthony Catholic Parish, Renton. Viewing will be held at the church one hour prior to the services. A reception will follow mass, and burial will occur at Washington Memorial Park, SeaTac.
From our family to yours comes a bag full of memories. For my mother there were many good times with “the gang” that had fun dancing, helping build each others homes and of course the family lamb roast at the lake. Each year your folks would open your lake property to “the gang” where Stretch played the accordion with the folks singing, the men taking turns turning the handle for the rotisserie, ( until they hooked it up to electric power), learning to swim and jumping off the dock. The friend ships that our parents formed lasted thru all this time. My sisters and I will always remember those lake times. The smell of lamb always will bring back those days. We share your loss with you.
Babe Toman with daughters
Mary, Judy and Jean
Pat and Steve – We are so sorry about your dad – he was definitely one of a kind – such a sense of humor and so nice.
It wasn’t hard to thiink of him as my “favorite uncle”. I have so many memories of our Shady Lake days – what a different world back then. His nickname for me was “Poogy”. I don’t know why – but I liked it. It’s definitely the end of an era for our family. Uncle George will be greatly missed, especially by mom. John, Charlie, Mary, Tillie, Rudy and now your dad, are all up there having a “stubby” and laughing together.
Love both of you lots – Peggy and Lee
I’m sorry I won’t be there tomorrow for the service, but I will be thinking of you and wishing I could be there. Uncle George will be greatly missed, but I’m happy to have so many good memories of him, most of which were spent laughing until I cried! I also remember catching my first (and only) fish with him and my dad at the lake. He was truly a great person and we will all miss him a lot. Love, Sarah
Dear Patrice,
Sorry for your loss. Think of you often, more so lately.
Sincerely,
Jim and Marion
Dear Pat and Steve,
I remember your father as very kind, quiet, and with a great sense of humor. (He needed it due to the mischief we got into). I fondly recall both of your parents, and how welcome they always made me feel in your home. I’m so very sorry to hear of your loss. Love, Michele
wow what a great man . he will be forever missed by all that he touched. rest in peace George . to his kids i know the pain of loosing a parent and all i can say is just remember the lord says to his people and that is all of us that is. that he is i am ;