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
Dr Stakiw had a way of teaching more than just the technicals- he taught the intangibles that a professional needs. He mixed in some fun too. A great example, a gentleman…. like many educators – a part of them lives on in their students and I know there are many that he influenced. I count myself fortunate to have been one of those.
My sincere condolences to the family
To the family,
I joined 22 service BN in the 95. During my first exercise i was ready to call it quits. i was dealing with typical teenage life and like all couldn’t see past today. I ended up at the Captains driver, Over many long talks he was one of the fee officers that i got to see as a human as well as a commander. If it were not for those talks i never would have had the over 20 years in service i am still working on. SO thank you to being there and supporting Capt Stakiw. We all need leadership like his in our growth as soldiers.
Best wishes and healing
Dear Diane and family. I was very saddened to hear about Dr. Stakiw’s passing. My condolences to you all. I have very fond memories of working with him on Oxford and Talbot and then at St Joes. His positive attitude kindness and profesionalism was very appreciated. he will be truly missed
Dear Diane,Susan,Lesley,Jill and family . Our hearts and thoughts are with you in sadness to learn of Jim’s passing and extend our sincere condolences . Jim and I were in Foam Lake high school as well as classmates at U.of Man. Dental school . He was a brilliant student , a truly gifted clinician and a gentleman . We had many special moments together as students and with his beautiful wife Diane during four years as undergraduates . We shared a common interest in the military dental profession . The profession has lost a most prestigious and accomplished member who contributed selflessly to the future of Dentistry and young students who became dentists.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you .
Rest in peace brother !
William and Janice .
My deepest sympathies go out to the family. I knew Jim from his days in Saskatoon, where both of us served on the board of the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires – North Saskatchewan Division. He actively supported former members of the military and RCMP find meaningful civilian employment. He also contributed to the preservation of Canada’s military heritage through the United Services Institute of Saskatoon. He will be missed. SANITAS IN ORE
JIM was a scholar an officer and a gentleman . He was my friend in Saskatoon USI. DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY
Jim rest in peace fellow Periodontist. Jim was very kind to me after I graduated from the University of Michigan with my degree in Periodontics he offered me a chance to work with him in his private practice on oxford street in London ONT. People might not know that Jim invented a new tooth brush and he was so proud of his invention .Jim and I were also colleagues at the School of Dentistry. Prayers and fond memories are what i have for Dr. James Stakiw My most heartfelt condolences.
khadry Galil
Deeply saddened by this news! Dr. Stakiw was a genuine gentleman and a brilliant, classy role model. My sincere condolences.
I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of Dr. Stakiw. He was the Dean of Dentistry when I was a dental student. He always greeted me by my first name and always made an effort to smile and make eye contact with all of his students. I looked up to him and admired the way he carried himself. He will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. Please except my deepest sympathies.
A gentle soul who will be remembered for his calm demeanour and love for his patients his students and the Canadian Armed Forces. He was one of a kind; Rest In Peace