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
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Dale Armstrong
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Gerard Magne I had the pleasure of instruction at U of western from Dr Stakiw. He was a wonderful personable teacher. And he also was a teacher you could confide in during those confusing young years developing our skills. Honestly the nicest professor I ever had and I have thought of him often even after grad as a person Ive tried to emulate. Just a wonderful talent he was. Thanks for everything.
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Eric Granberg 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
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Aaron Parkinson 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
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Jane Murray 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
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Dr. LCol (Ret ) William Budzinski 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 .
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Captain (ret'd) John Helms 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
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Kathleen McCorkell JIM was a scholar an officer and a gentleman . He was my friend in Saskatoon USI. DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY
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khadry Galil 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
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Parviz Yazdani Deeply saddened by this news! Dr. Stakiw was a genuine gentleman and a brilliant, classy role model. My sincere condolences.
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Vandna Sharma 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.
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Sandeep Dhesi 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
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Mo Korayem An incredibly kind and thoughtful man. A true gentlemen and scholar. He will be greatly missed.
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Sonny Khanna Sonny Khanna
My condolences going out to the Stakiw family at this time.
May Dr. James Stakiw rest in peace.
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Frank J Hechter Diane and family, I was truly saddened to learn of Jim’s passing. I was a dental student when he was completing his doctorate degree. I had the opportunity to know him through my time in Dr. Charles Dowse’s laboratory and during the two years I practiced in Saskatoon. He was an outstanding, kind, thoughtful and passionate individual. He was an excellent mentor and friend during that time in my life. I wish you and your family the very best, Jim has left a true legacy in the minds and hearts of many!
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Jess Chhokar Saddened to hear of the passing of an amazing dentist and professor. Had the priviledge of having Dr stackiw as a professor at the University of Saskatchewan. Condolences to his family and friends.
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Caesar chow So sad to hear this news. Dr Stakiw was an inspiring educator and a wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
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Bobby Birdi Dr Stakiw was one of my most important mentors and truly helped me be the clinician I am today. He was always so kind, forthright, and impressive. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
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Kam Sahota My condolences to your family. I have good memories of him during my time at Saskatoon. He will be missed.
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Daniel Pesin Dr. Stakiw was one of the nicest professors I’ve had in dental school. He will be missed but not forgotten.
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Volinder Dhesi One of the kindest men, and an exemplary individual. I’m honored to have been taught and have Dr Stakiw as my dean. He has left a legacy for hundreds to remember him by
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Darcy Allen Dr. Stakiw was a professor and a colleague. I always appreciated his even temperament and candor. I remember when he was retiring from the College of Dentistry and I was given his Occlusion class to teach – he invited me into his office, pointed me to his bookshelf and told me to take what I needed. I am thankful for the time I got to share with him, and am sorry for the family’s loss.
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Thelma Doppelhammer 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
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Brian Clark 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.
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Mike and Bev Harper 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.
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Shannon Elliott 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.
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John McPeck 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
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Melissa MacDonald 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
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Lesley Tyler 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.
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Sarah & Ryan Gallagher 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.
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Judi and David Banting 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.
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Paul Deyell 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.
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Dr. Olaf Plotzke 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.
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Paul Romanson 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
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Jesse Barker 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
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Paul Jackson 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.
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Sandra and David Wood 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.
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Harinder Sandhu My sincerest condolences to family. Jim and I worked at Western together. We published a paper together.
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Kathe and Jack McLister 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
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Lee Beam Diane and Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Jim was a wonderful husband, father, friend, dentist and Canadian
~Lee & Elizabeth Beam
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RosalynSmith 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.
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Rosalyn Smith 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 ☹️
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Dr. Peter Fendrich This is very sad news. I have many and very fond memories of Jim. He was truly a class act who will be sorely missed. I will cherish his memory with great fondness and respect. My thoughts and prayers are with Dianne and your wonderful “girls “.
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Sandra & Blake Nicolucci Diane & family
We are so sad to hear of Jim’s passing. He was a wonderful friend and we will all miss him so. We treasure the wonderful times we shared. Our condolences to all your family. Love, Blake & Sandra
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Val Krpan Dear Diane, Susan, Lesley, Jill and families. Sorry to hear of Jim’s (Dad’s) passing . My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Many great memories . Take care.
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Kabir Virdi Dr. Stakiw was the definition of a gentleman and an officer. He was my Dean in dental school. We shared the mutual bond of being in the armed forces. He was always well-spoken, articulate, intelligent and precise. A military man indeed. He was an influential figure in my career. My thoughts go out to his family.
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Leventine Adams Jim and I were among the first wave of the Tarnowetzky grand children. I was the oldest so remember when Jim was born – very bonnie baby. So, it is with sadness that I send my condolences to Diane and their extended family. He certainly lived a full life.
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Blake Mitchell Dr. Stakiw was a professor and faculty advisor of mine at the University of Saskatchewan. I respected his stoic personality and demeanor. A good man that I looked up during our brief time together. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
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Dean Kolbinson My sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Stakiw. I worked closely with him at the University of Saskatchewan and was able to be in touch with him on occasion after his retirement. He was a valued colleague and friend and will truly be missed.
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Roman Koutsil What a beautiful life he lived. I’m so very sorry for your loss.
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Vic Ukrainetz I am very sorry to hear of James passing and extend my condolences to the family.
James and I were in the same grades and also took music in Foam Lake at the same time.
I was always proud of his accomplishments and involvements in the community. He will
missed and always be remembered as my hero.
Our thoughts and Prayers are with you.
God rest his soul.
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Linda Davidson John and I were heartbroken to hear of Jim’s passing. He was such a “good guy”!! We fondly remember our time together with he and Diane as newly weds in Winnipeg. As the years past we stayed in touch and know his presence will be sorely missed by his family and friends. Rest In Peace Jim.
Back in 1978, Jim sold me his six-inch Cave Student Standard. I still have that telescope, and a few more since then! It helped get me started in exploring the universe, and I am grateful to have acquired it from him. I am sorry to hear of Jim’s passing.