Lovingly remembered by his beloved children, Jason, Sarah-Jane, Katie (Scott), Daniel (Heidi) and Brendan (Thea). Don was one of ten children born to Charles & Mabel Starling in the West Midlands, England. He is also survived by his siblings in England, Betty, Diana, Christine, Barbara, Victor and Robert. He is predeceased by Audrey, Irene and Martin. Don and his siblings were great writers of letters and thoroughly enjoyed exchanging each other’s’ latest experiences, newspaper clippings and pictures. Don reveled in hearing about his many nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews.
As a young man in his twenties, Don was married to Patricia Park, and they immigrated to Vancouver in search of new opportunities and a better life. Settling in Kitsilano, Don had various jobs before ending up in the shipping industry, working mainly for Greer Shipping, where he spent most of his professional life. He was a talented salesman and manager. It is remembered that a co-worker once told his son Brendan that he owed his career to Don because he hired him to his team, when all he had was a high school diploma. Don’s humility and integrity made him very respected amongst his colleagues.
Through the twists and turns of life, Don also had a second marriage to Colleen Gehrke. But for most of his retirement years, he reconnected with his first wife, Patricia, and he experienced the joy of being a grandpa. Don’s grandchildren were treasures to his heart. Karling and Zachary Fraser came first, followed by Carys-Anne Starling and then just before he passed away, Blake Lily Starling arrived. Poppa Don could scarcely hide his infatuation with his grandchildren. He proudly displayed each year’s updated framed school pictures for all to see in his home.
Don was a family man, a sportsman and had wide ranging interests from art, music, travel, Cadillacs and collecting! A long-time member of Jericho Tennis Club, he excelled as a squash and tennis player (playing tennis until his mid-80s!). Heartfelt thanks to all the staff at Little Mountain Place, especially in the SCU, for the great care they provided to our dad over the past three years. He loved the music and people, and we are grateful that his last years were spent in such a caring home, where we knew he was safe.
October 30 1930 – November 28 2022
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Donald Charles Starling October 30 1930 – November 28 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Vancouver, Province: Colombie britanique