It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness we announce the sudden passing of Henry “Hank” Starek at his home in Vancouver on May 14, 2023. Hank is survived by Sheila, his adored wife of 61 years, daughters Pamela, Janice Morrice (Brad), son Darren and his wife Wendy, and cherished granddaughters Kendra and Amy Morrice and Jada Starek. We also remember Hank’s family members who preceded him in death—parents Louis and Cecilia, sister Wilma and brother Louis.
Hank’s parents emigrated to Canada from Habovka, Czechoslovakia, in 1928 in search of greater economic opportunity. Hank was born in Edmonton, AB, on July 6, 1935 and his formative years were spent in Cloverdale, BC working on the family dairy and garden farms before joining the RCMP in 1953 at age 18. While stationed in North Battleford, SK, he met his wife and best friend to be, Sheila. Married in 1962, they shared a remarkable companionship filled with joy, support and laughter that would demonstrate the true meaning of lifelong union and partnership to everyone they knew.
In 1960, Hank followed a long-held passion for aviation and became a pilot in the RCAF. In a remarkable coincidence, when family vacations were planned there was often an aviation museum located on route or at the destination.
In 1964 he returned to policing and proudly joined the Vancouver Police Department, under whom he graduated from the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA, and achieved the rank of Deputy Chief Constable. Hank’s success was due to his passion, hard work and dedication; retiring from the job he loved in 1992, those who served with him fondly remember his outstanding leadership, professional approach, honesty and understanding, openness to questions, and a sense of humour that came with a vast supply of jokes.
Always active, Hank was an avid golfer, voracious reader of historical non-fiction, Vancouver Canucks supporter and member of a local gym that he attended until his final days. Hank’s too-numerous-to-count lifelong friendships with people from grade school, the RCMP, the RCAF and the VPD resulted in an outpouring of support for his family following his death. Despite his numerous accomplishments and responsibilities, Hank remained, above all, a devoted husband, father and grandfather. We already miss his humorous takes on life and endless stories, but most of all the warm presence and love that we will always cherish.
A Funeral Service will be held on May 30, 2023, at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 2465 Crown Street, Vancouver, BC with private burial to follow.
The Funeral Service will be livestreamed here, Kearney Funeral Service - Livestream .