Obituary of Brian Alfred Starkes

July 1, 1939 – Enfield, London, England

May 16, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Brian Starkes of High River, AB, passed away on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at the age of 84 years.

Brian was born in Enfield, London, England to parents Alfred and Florence. He immigrated to Australia in 1963 where he met and married Eunice, his wife and best friend, on November 27, 1964. They were married for 57 years. Leaving Australia in 1965, they lived in England for a few years and then immigrated to Calgary in 1968.

He graduated from King’s College in London and had a very respected career as an electrical draftsman, mainly within Calgary’s oil and gas industry.

Brian created strong friendships, including childhood friends that he kept throughout his entire life and great friends he developed in Calgary. He was loved by all who knew him well.

He never forgot his beloved England and made many trips back over the years to visit his favourite pubs and the Boking United Service Club. He loved to catch up on all his friends’ news and fill up on many requested meals and treats from family.

Brian was an avid reader and was known as the “bookman” at the Lodge, due to his large collection of novels he would share. He had a tremendous passion for sports with his Calgary Flames, Toronto Blue Jays, Lewis Hamilton, and most especially his beloved Tottenham Hotspurs. When Brian wasn’t watching sports, he was listening to classical jazz and British rock music.

His most memorable vacation was when he went on a one-month cruise of the South Seas to Australia in 2008.

Brian is survived by his loving sister Jean Mayhew of Sudbury, England, his son Timothy of El Dorado Hills, USA, daughter Tamara (Keith) Richards of High River, AB, grandchildren, Kelvin Richards of High River, and Brianna Richards of Calgary; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. He was predeceased by his loving wife Eunice, brother-in-law John Mayhew, and his parents, Alfred and Florence Starkes.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Brian’s service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Brian’s family here.

In living memory of Brian Starkes, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.

Click Here to Sign the Digital Guest Book and Watch Brian's Funeral Service