Nov. 14, 1953 – April 26, 2026
With heavy hearts, the family of David Starko, of High Prairie, announce his passing at the University of Alberta Hospital on April 26, 2026, at the age of 72 years.
David was born in High Prairie Nov. 14, 1953 to Steve and Jean (Bilyk) Starko. He spent the first 20 years of his life on the family farm and a lifetime in the community he loved. He attended St. Andrew’s School and E.W. Pratt before enrolling in a heavy-duty program at Fairview College. After completion, David began working at Ike’s Modern Motors in High Prairie and pursued apprenticeship as an automotive mechanic. He worked at Bishop’s Ford and General Service before dedicating more than 23 years to the High Prairie School Division. David later earned his Class 1 driver’s license and drove trucks hauling fuel, oil, and grain. He also worked for his son running a vacuum truck.
Outside of work, he embraced life’s simple pleasures – hunting, fishing, gardening, and playing cards. He took pride in remaining active, often seen riding his bike around town and water skiing into his late 60s. For 47 years, he took a cherished annual fishing trip to Peerless Lake and was proud to have shared 35 years with his son. A highlight was catching a memorable 28-pound lake trout.
In his later years, David was a devoted and supportive caregiver to his wife.
On May 4, 1974, David married Judy Guitton, who had come to High Prairie to teach. Together, they built a union spanning nearly 52 years, raising four children and creating memories. Their travels included visits to Judy’s family, time spent at Radium Hot Springs, and a family road trip in their truck and camper to Vancouver Island, where they enjoyed the Pacific Ocean and fireworks at Butchart Gardens. David and Judy also shared two special trips to Cancun, Mexico.
David’s health took an unexpected turn, requiring an air ambulance transfer to Edmonton. Despite nearly three weeks of extensive testing, doctors were unable to determine a definitive cause. His passing came as a shock to both his medical team and loved ones.
David is lovingly remembered by: his wife, Judy; daughter Liz (Starko) de Hek; daughter Marie (Bob) Inglehart; son Joey (Sheri); and daughter Anita Starko; grandsons Jack and Blake Inglehart and granddaughter Hailey Starko. He is also survived by: his mother, Jean Starko; brother Pete (Joann) Starko; Uncle Bill Bilyk (Carol) and Uncle Mike Starko (Nancy); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was predeceased by his father, Steve Starko; brother Stevie; sister Rose Cox and her husband, Donald; infant brother Michael; son-in-law Hendrik de Hek; and Aunt Catherine Starko.
The funeral service took place on May 9, 2026, at St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church in High Prairie and burial followed at St. Vladimir’s Cemetery in Big Prairie.
The family appreciates all the kind gestures of sympathy that have been shared. Dave will be missed by all who knew and loved him.