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.