Richard “Rick” James Starkey, resident of Sexsmith, AB, a loving father, devoted husband, stubborn old man, and self-proclaimed scrooge, passed away on Monday, September 13, 2021, at the age of 67 years.

Rick, beloved husband of Donna. Loving father of Farrel, Karson, Kaylon, Burdeen, and Mallory; and father in-law to Kara, Amy, Ashley, and Simon. Loved grandfather to Bransen, Charlette, Tessa, Devlin, Richard, and Maeve.

Son to the late William and Elsie Starkey. Half brother to Yvette, brother to Sandy Starkey (Joyce), and Edna Baker (nee Starkey).

Richard was born in Cabri, SK, to Elsie and William Starkey on June 27, 1954. Rick went to school and earned the nickname Big John while in Hazlet High School. He later attended Kelsey Institute in Saskatoon, SK, to become a mechanic. Rick then joined the armed forces where he served for 5 years, during which he was stationed at different Canadian Posts, as well as spending six months in Israel. Rick met his wife, Donna (nee Bush) while serving in the military while she was also serving as a Reservist for the Rocky Mountain Rangers in Kamloops, BC.

In 1978, Rick and Donna were married in Alliston, ON, and lived in Chilliwack, BC, until Rick was released from the military. They lived in Swan Hills, AB, before moving to the Fort St. John, BC, area where they welcomed Farrel and Karson. They then moved to Kobes, BC, with West Coast Energy and Rick worked his way to supervisor. The family also welcomed Kaylon, Burdeen, and Mallory.

In 1999, Rick brought his family to Sexsmith and began working as Team Leader at Alliance Pipeline in Grande Prairie, AB. During his time at Alliance, Rick took on numerous roles and was known for his humour, loyalty, hard work, and “Starkey ‘ism’s’”. Richard devoted his time and his life to his family and his work. At work, Rick worked hard and encouraged everyone he worked with to be their best. He worked for Alliance until 2015, after which he started Grey Power Consulting and continued working alongside Alliance Pipeline as an independent contractor. He was a loving dad and husband who made sure his children and wife were always taken care of. Rick cherished his family and loved watching it grow, as he welcomed children and grandchildren. He loved teasing his daughters in-law, especially the “short one”. Rick also welcomed his first son in-law this year.

In his spare time, Rick could be found riding his tractor, reading books, or sitting in the garage listening to his music. He enjoyed spending time with his family, working on cars, building, shooting, anything that meant time together. Rick didn’t always talk much, but what he did say was worth listening to.

Richard will be forever loved and missed by his wife, children, and grandchildren. He will be fondly remembered and missed by his Alliance Pipeline family and friends. He will be missed by cousins, nieces, nephews, and all who knew him.

Richard was predeceased by his sister Annabel Starkey, father William Starkey, and mother Elsie Starkey.

As Rick would say, “It’s Monday”.

A Memorial Service for Richard Starkey will be held at a later date.

Condolences may be sent by visiting

www.oliversfuneralhome.com

• Date : 2021-09-13
• Location : Sexsmith, Alberta

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