Richard James Starkey Obituary in Grande Prairie at Oliver’s Funeral Home & Crematorium

Obituaries

Richard James Starkey

June 27, 1954 - September 13, 2021

Obituary For Richard James Starkey

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.

Photos & Video

Add New Photos & Video

Condolences

September 24, 2021

Janet Hodge

Dear Donna and family, Our deepest condolences to you all. Our time and friendship in Chilliwack was a wonderful time. The best thing I could say would be "Mini". Our overnight trip to Calgary, and our trip up to see you in Swan Hills. Every time we had a chance to get together for a visit was always a great time. Will always remember Rick's last visit to our place in St. Albert. Our thought and prayers are with you all. Love Don & Janet Hodge. ❤️
September 23, 2021

Don Sinclair

Condolences to you and the family Donna The sinclairs have many memories of the life at Kobe's with you folks. Years later I enjoyed working for Rick at Alliance. Take care
September 23, 2021

Glenn and Gale Woo

Fond memories of the good old days when we worked and lived beside Rick, Donna and their growing family at Westcoast Energy's Kobes Creek. Condolences to Donna and family.
September 22, 2021

Dwaine Baker

Donna, I am so very sorry to hear of Rick's passing. My deepest condolences to you and your family. Dwaine Baker
September 22, 2021

Kathy & Rod Conley

Donna, Farrel, Karson, Kaylon, Burdeen, and Mallory & all of Ricks family... I am so sorry for the loss of your husband, father, father-in-law & (I have no doubt) the greatest grandfather anyone could ever want. Rick & I worked together at Alliance Pipeline & he always was a wealth of information, as well of having plenty of jokes & "Rickisms" of the work we were implementing, life experiences & his family. Which he was so proud of. May your walk through the Loss be a joyful remembrance of the happy reminders of the time you all spent together on this plane of existence. May your family laugh together, cry together & heal yourselves through the bounty of love his & your life had to offer. Holding each other through the laughter & tears, until once again you dance with the each other in your celestial home.
September 22, 2021

Donna Podworniak

Donna and family. I am very sorry to hear about the passing of Rick. I worked with Rick for many years at Alliance. He was a hard worker and had an amazing sense of humour. Thoroughly enjoyed working with him. Considered him a friend. So sad to hear May you Rest In Peace Rick. Donna Podworniak. (The Queen)🥰
September 22, 2021

Jamie and Marty Andersen

We are so sorry to hear of Rick's passing and send our condolences to the family. We worked alongside Rick since his start at Alliance and he is fondly remembered. Rest in peace Rick. From the entire team at First Alert Locating.
September 22, 2021

Frank Campbell

I remember the days of working with Rick at Alliance and it seems like just yesterday. He was one of a kind and I have fond memories of working and socializing with him. He will truly be missed by all that knew him. My condolences to all.
September 21, 2021

Eva Anderson

Donna and family. We are so sorry to hear about Rick. It has been awhile since we had seen him but always enjoyed our visits. Mom and Dad especially enjoyed Ricks visits to them in Chilliwack. We are thinking of you I. This sad time. Eva, Wiz, Olava and Penny.
September 21, 2021

Elizabeth and Eva Anderson

We are so very sad to hear about Rick! Our condolences to you Donna and all your family! Love from Wiz and Eva (the older twins from Hazlet) 🥳
September 21, 2021

Sean Sargent

Donna and Family, I am deeply saddened to hear of your huge loss. I really liked Rick, he was a great guy, and have many cherished memories' going back to many years of United Way involvement with him in the early 2000's and many great visits in the dealership over the years. My wife also has fond memories of meeting him a few times during the United Way days. He will be greatly missed, sincerely, Sean Sargent
September 21, 2021

Timber Ridge Inn & Suites

A thought of comfort and condolences to the grieving family. Mr. Richard Starkey is our pioneer hotel guest here in Timber Ridge Inn in Fox Creek. We will surely miss him.
September 21, 2021

Murray Babkirk

Saddened to hear today of Rick's passing. He will be missed by all his friends and co workers at Westcoast Energy. He was liked and respected by all as a co-worker and as time passed as a supervisor. He had a positive influence on all that had the opportunity to work with him. He went above and beyond to always make Kobes a better place to work and live. Murray and Kathy Babkirk
September 20, 2021

Keith Utke

I'm so sorry to hear of Rick's passing. We were childhood friends from Hazlet and Roseray areas and went to school together. I often think of him and I do have some fond memories of our time's together. RIP Rick. Keith Utke
September 20, 2021

Garry & Karen Pederson

Donna & family, we are so sorry for the loss of your husband & best friend; also, father, father-in-law & grandpa. We know that you will cherish all the wonderful memories & family times that you had together. Sincerely, Garry & Karen Pederson
September 20, 2021

Kelly Lenek and family

My condolences to the entire Starkey family.Their is not enough space to describe all the great attributes that endeared him to the Sexsmith Community and surrounding areas.Richard was the first one to donate his time to whatever needed to be done,big or small,and was a key contributor to the success of the Sexsmith Shamrocks over the years.I am proud to have known him,and he will never be forgotten by anyone who met him.
September 20, 2021

Sherry Petty

Donna Sending our deepest condolences to you and your family. So sorry to hear about Rick Cherish all your wonderful memories 💕 Love Clark and Sherry Petty
September 20, 2021

Holly McLean

Donna- Farrel, Karson, Kaylon, Burdeen, and Mallory. Ashley and Richard I'm so very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and hoping that gratitude and loving memories help the healing and soften the grief over time. 💔. Rick was a dear dear friend and I will remember him in my heart forever. Holly (Gainer)McLean.
September 20, 2021

Barbara & Jasper DeRuiter

We are so sorry to hear of Rick's passing. We send our sympathy to you Donna and your children. Jasper & Barb DeRuiter

Obituaries