It is with profound sadness the family announces the passing of Dr. James Stakiw on March 17, 2020. He was the son of the late Walter and Nell Stakiw. Surviving him is his beloved wife, Diane; three children, Susan, Lesley and Jill; six grandchildren, Nicole, James, Parker, Lochlan, Peri and Blake; his brother Dr. Ken Stakiw (Elaine); and three nieces, Julie, Allison and Jennifer. One daughter predeceased him, our dearest Laura.
He received his DMD and PhD Degrees from the University of Manitoba and was a Fellow of the International College of Dentists. Although he spent his professional career maintaining a specialty practice as a Periodontist, he was often mistaken for a professional gardener as he transformed many yards into peaceful oases; he saw the potential in everything and everyone he met.
His commitment to the community in which he lived was evident by his time serving on the Boards of several organizations including the Saskatoon and Provincial St. John Ambulance, Provincial Canadian Forces Liaison Council, Canadian Corps of Commissionaires North Saskatchewan Division and the United Services Institute of Saskatoon. As an accomplished pianist, James was able to share his love of music during his time as a past President of Orchestra London.
Dr. Stakiw was a member of the teaching staff at both St. Joseph’s and University Hospitals in London, Ontario and also the President of the London and District Dental Society and an Executive Member of the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario. Upon returning to Saskatoon, he taught at the University of Saskatchewan College of Dentistry and was Acting Dean of Dentistry from 2002 to 2006.
He was proud of his time serving as an Honourary Lieutenant Colonel for the 16 (Sask) Field Ambulance, Canadian Forces Health Services as well as a Dental Officer and a Logistics Officer in the CF Reserves with 22 (London) Service Battalion. To say he had an interest in the military and the welfare of the troops would be an understatement. He felt a connection and responsibility to remember and honour those who served in the military and passed along his knowledge and respect to everyone who knew him.
“The wonder of the world, the beauty and power, the shapes of things, their colours, lights and shades, these I saw Look ye also while life lasts.”
As per James’ wishes there will be a private family ceremony to honour his life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Laura Stakiw Memorial Award in the School of Dentistry at Western University or online at www.westernconnect.ca/Stakiw. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
53 Responses
I was deeply saddened at the news of Jim’s passing. He was a true teacher with only the best in mind for his students.
My sincerest condolences to Diane and the rest of his family. RIP Jim.
Dear Diane, Susan, Lesley, Jill and family?
Please accept our deepest sympathies for the untimely loss of Jim.
He was a great friend and mentor to us professionally in the early years of our practice.
Your are all well remembered by us as wonderful neighbours in London.
We will hold you in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Sincerely, Paul and Karen
Dr Stakiw was such a graceful and welcoming man. He was also honest and frank in times when his dental students needed it most. His interest and passion for the military and his dedication to all serving members was encouraging and inspiring for me and many other young soldiers. Heartbreaking to hear the news. Rest in Peace Jim
I was very sad to hear of Jim’s passing. My condolences to his family and friends. I worked with Jim for a couple of years when we worked together as Periodontists at St. Joesephs Hospital in London, ON. We shared many hours talking about the military. Truly an officer and a gentleman.
Dear Diane and Family. We are so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. We admired him as a dentist and father. Our deepest sympathies.
My sincerest condolences to family. Jim and I worked at Western together. We published a paper together.
The profession has lost one of our finest members. The world was a better place because of Jim and if each of us were a bit more like him it might be a better place yet
Diane and Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Jim was a wonderful husband, father, friend, dentist and Canadian
~Lee & Elizabeth Beam
Dearest Riane and family,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
We are deeply saddened by this news.
I have thought of you often over the years…last saw you here in London in the late eighties.
Dearest Diane and family
Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
We are deeply saddened to hear this news…
I have thought of you often over the years..haven’t seen you since 1986 ☹️