John David Sturk
1946-2020
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of
our dear husband, father, and grandfather, John Sturk on July
28th, aged 73. He passed peacefully in his home
of fifty years, surrounded by his
family.
He was born in Kentville, and grew up in
Victoria Harbour, Kingston, and Quebec City. When he was 17, he
started working at Formex (Weavexx), where he worked for his entire
43-year career, retiring as quality control manager. Throughout his
life, John was known for his integrity, being incredibly hardworking,
honest, and fair. Among his colleagues, friends, and family, he was
deeply loved and respected. Despite being dedicated to his work, he
never brought his job home, always being present for his children and
grandchildren. The importance of family was a lesson he learned from
his parents, aunts, and uncles growing up, and one he passed on to all
those around him.
John was curious, an avid reader, committed to
life-long learning, and loved hearing others’ perspectives.
He was a gracious conversationalist and would make everyone feel
welcome, listened to, and valued. He had a playful sense of humour and
was often found whistling or singing. John enjoyed going for a ride on
his motorcycle or out in his boat. He was a Boy Scout leader when his
children were young, and enthusiastically played and danced with his
grandchildren.
John was strong, always willing to lend a hand
and took a lot of joy in helping others. From hauling hay and wood, to
mowing lawns and shovelling snow, he was someone many people relied on
regularly.
He enjoyed working with his hands –
whether woodworking, fishing, gardening, playing guitar, working on a
car, or fixing anything that was broken. His handiwork can be seen in
his and all of his children’s homes. He relished
Norma’s cooking, a good cup of tea, a big piece of dessert,
and all things chocolate. Above all else he was a dedicated, doting,
and loving husband to Norma, his wife of 52
years.
He is survived by, his wife Norma (Hird);
daughter, Jennifer (Greg) Killam, Grafton; son, Greg (Kim) Sturk,
Mount Uniacke; daughter, Melanie Sturk (David Banoub), Dartmouth; his
two grandchildren, Erin and Bethany Killam; his sisters-in-law and
brothers-in-law, Alice and Malcolm Ogilvie, Burlington, Kings County;
Flora and Edward Thurston, Sandford, Yarmouth County; Betty Doucet,
Lions Brook, Pictou County; Nancy Sanford, North Alton; and many
nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Loring and Mary
Agnes (Deveau) Sturk; his brothers-in-law, Ken Hird, Rick Doucet, and
Budd Sanford; and his sister-in-law, Kay Hird. In recent years, he
connected with biological siblings, including Linda Sawler, Wolfville,
and Andy Cotter, Kentville.
A celebration of John’s life will be
held on August 2nd, 2020 at the Berwick
Cemetery at 10:30 am. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, please bring your
own lawn chair and mask, and respect physical distancing
protocols.
A heartfelt thanks to the many who provided
care and support in his fight against cancer, including Dr.
Merryweather and the oncology team, Dr. Burgess, Dr. Nunn, palliative
care nurse Katrina Patterson, the staff at Wilsons Pharmasave, and
many nurses from the VON. Donations in John’s name can be
made to the Canadian Cancer Society or charity of your
choice.
There are no words to describe how much we love
John. He will forever be missed.
Funeral
arrangements have been entrusted to the
White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. On-line
condolences and inquiries may be directed to www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of John David Sturk 19462020..
Death notice for the town of: Kentville, Province: Nova Scotia