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
Dear Diane,I was so sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. Please accept my sincere condolences to you and to all your family. Thelma Harrison Doppelhammer
It is with deep regret that I learned this sad news. Jim was a friend, mentor and colleague who was very highly respected both professionally and personally. He will be deeply missed and my sincere condolences are offered to you, his family. As a Fellow of the International College of Dentists, Jim epitomized all that is good about our profession.
Diane,
We are saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. We have fond memories of you both and have thought of you
often over the years. Our deepest sympathies to you and the entire family.
My condolences to the family of Dr. Stakiw . I was the clerk at 16 Field Ambulance during his time as our Honourary Colonel. He will be fondly remembered.
Dear Diane, Susan, Lesley and Jill,
Our hearts and thoughts are with you all in sadness, as we learn of Jim’s passing. We cherish many fond and wonderful memories of family times with you all in London. Jim was a special gentleman and the world could use more like him. He was self-effacing and generous with his time and expertise. He was never too busy to rescue me from painful problems with my teeth! I am forever grateful to him for his kindness.
We take comfort in that he lives on through all of you.
With love and heartfelt thoughts,
John and Jeanne
I knew Dr Stakiw through 16 Fd Amb, he was a great man that was always concerned with the troops, he always had a kind word and always wanted to lend a hand. He will be missed. RIP Sir
I respected and appreciated Dr Stakiw from the first time I met him. He was our Hon Col for 16 Field Ambulance in the Army Reserves and with every encounter demonstrated how much he cared about us. Some of us were lucky enough to spend Remembrance Day gathered in his pool room/library/war museum sipping on scotch and quietly appreciating the heroes of the past. He was gracious, kind, humble and a person to model one’s self after. So very sad to hear that he has passed. Sincerest sympathy to his loved ones.
Dr. Stakiw taught us in dental school. His professionalism and service to his community were inspiring. We will most remember him for his wit and kindness. We offer our condolences to his family.
Diane and family:
We are deeply saddened by Jim’s passing and extend our sincerest condolences to you all.
We were privileged to have known you during your time in London and it was a pleasure to have had Jim as a colleague at UWO.
I was saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. I knew him as a friend and a teacher and he was outstanding in both regards. He was a gentle soul in the kindest sense and I always thought that our world needed more people like Jim. May his memory and these many wonderful tributes to his character bring you some measure of peace.