It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Paul Starek, on October 7, 2015, at Royal City Manor. He was born in Habovka, Czechoslovakia on December 26, 1926, the son of Thomas and Anna Starek. Paul and his parents travelled to Canada in 1936 and settled in Hinton, Alberta. After a few severe winters, they moved to Cloverdale, BC where Paul's father started a dairy farm. Paul soon realized that farming was not for him and moved to the city of New Westminster where he met the love of his life, Mary. They were married in St. Peter's Church in 1949 and
started their life together in White Rock. They were blessed with three beautiful daughters. Mary liked a man in uniform and encouraged Paul to join the Surrey Municipal Police. In 1951, he joined the RCMP and served in
Cloverdale and Burnaby Detachments. Paul had a colourful career as a detective and was recognized by his burly stature in a trench coat, his sharp crew cut and a half-smoked cigar. Prior to his retirement in 1976, he held the rank of Staff Sergeant, NCO i/c General Investigation Section at Burnaby Detachment. Upon retirement from the RCMP, he became an Inspector with the BC Motor Vehicle Branch. Paul was appointed to
the BC Motor Carrier Commission where he served until age, 75. He is a Life Member and Governor of the Vancouver Division of the RCMP Veterans. He lived life with boundless energy and enthusiasm and was always curious and willing to learn. He had a brilliant sense of humour and a sharp wit right to the end. He worked hard but always had time for his family and travelled extensively with Mary. He was predeceased by his wife of nearly 66 years, Mary, who passed on January 12, 2015. He is survived by his three daughters, Linda (Eric), Peggy (Joe) and Sandra; four grandchildren, Matthew (Kayla), Michael (Julie), Daniel (Bianca), Elizabeth; two great-grandchildren, Connor and Natalie; and many friends and relatives whom he dearly loved. There will be a Celebration of Life at Kearney's Columbia Bowell Chapel, 219 Sixth Street, New Westminster, on Friday, October 23 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association.