Corporal, medic with 15 (Edmonton) Field Ambulance. Aged 36, he was a reservist from Calgary, Alberta serving with the Canadian contingent of NATO forces in Afghanistan.
Cpl Starker was killed and another soldier wounded when they came under enemy small-arms fire during a foot patrol in the Pashmul region of Zhari district, west of Kandahar City.
Eighty-three soldiers, along with a diplomat, have died since Canada first sent troops to Afghanistan in 2002.
Mike Starker worked as a paramedic with Calgary Emergency Medical Services for over two years before his deployment in December 2007 on his second tour of duty in Afghanistan. He joined the reserves in 2003 after retiring from an extensive military career. Previously he served in the Calgary Highlanders, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry and the Canadian Airborne Regiment.
Cpl Starker is survived by his wife Nicole, parents Helen and Gunter Starker, sister Carolyn Straub, grandmother Stephanie Wasiutek, extended family and many friends. Predeceased by his grandmother Gertrude Starker Szelei. He is remembered for his leadership skills, special brand of humour and love of the outdoors.
Funeral Mass and service with full military honours held at the Round-Up Centre, Calgary on May 15, 2008.
*Sincere thanks to SusanR for her generous sponsorship of this memorial.∼His name was Cpl. Michael Starker and he died serving his country.
The Canadian military has now released the name of the 83rd soldier to die in combat for Canada. Starker was with the 15 Field Ambulance Regiment, based out of Edmonton, when he was killed during a foot patrol near Kandahar City on Tuesday.
The soldier died in war trying to extend the hand of peace. Officials say his patrol was part of a team attempting to reach out to Afghan natives, when the group came under attack in the Pashmul region, about 25 kilometres from Canada's home base.
Starker was hit and killed in the attack, while another soldier, whose name has not been released, was also wounded.
The 36-year-old was a paramedic with Calgary EMS before he joined the Armed Forces.
"I think it's clear from his … profession that he was one of those people who wanted to help others," a tearful Calgary EMS chief Tom Sampson noted after hearing of his colleague's sudden death.
"He certainly served his duty helping Calgarians here and I think he went to help there. And it's such a shame that he should die while trying to help like that."
Pashmul has been a hotly contested region since Canadian troops deployed in Kandahar more than two years ago. The fact the soldiers could walk through the area and interact with the locals was a hopeful sign and Canadian troops won't be deterred, according to Brigadier-General Guy Laroche, commander of Canadian troops in Afghanistan.
"The intent was to exchange with the population — something we could not do last year," the leader reflects. "We will maintain our presence there as long as we need to do so."
It's the 83rd Canadian soldier lost to the fight overseas. A diplomat also died in the war-torn nation in 2006.
Canada was slated to withdraw from the country in 2009, but the mission was recently extended with the proviso that other NATO countries aid in the fight.
___________________________________________________________________________
STARKER _ Michael Gunter February 16, 1972 - May 6, 2008 On May 6, 2008 Cpl. Mike Starker of 15 (Edmonton) Field Ambulance was killed in action in Afghanistan at the age of 36. Mike will be forever loved and missed by his adoring wife of ten years Nicole; loving parents Helen and Gunter Starker and proud sister Carolyn (Grant) Straub all of Calgary; grandmother Stephanie Wasiutek (Strasbourg, France) and uncle Wasyl Wasiutek (Breitenbach, France); mother-in-law Jane (and the late Ray) Seguin and brother-in-law Raymond (Laura) Seguin of Windsor, ON. He is predeceased by grandmother Gertrude Szelei (Calgary). Mike will be fondly remembered by his nieces Sarah, Katie and Serene; nephew Ray and godson James; many cousins in Calgary, Germany and France along with countless other family, friends and members of his military and Emergency Medical Services families. During his military career, Mike served in the Calgary Highlanders, PPCLI, Canadian Airborne Regiment and 15 (Edmonton) Field Ambulance. He gave his life while completing his third tour of duty as a Canadian soldier. A valued member of Calgary EMS since 2005, he loved being a paramedic. He enjoyed taking care of others. Mike will long be remembered for his leadership, compassion, sense of humour and fun-loving nature as well as his great capacity to love and be loved by those around him. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to 15 (Edmonton) Field Ambulance (especially Second-Lieutenant Terry Larson) and the wonderful Calgary EMS staff for their unwavering support and assistance. Thank you to Mike's brothers and sisters at arms from both the reserve and regular force communities, Canadian Forces Army leadership, the Calgary Police Service and the Calgary Fire Department for their help and kindness. The family would also like to acknowledge the amazing compassion and empathy from the supporters across Canada. A time of visitation for family and friends will be held at St. Albert the Great Roman Catholic Church, 10 Prestwick Drive S.E., on Thursday May 15, 2008 from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m., followed by Prayers and Eulogy from 7:45 to 10:00 p.m. The public are invited to attend the Roman Catholic Funeral Mass to be held at the Round-Up Centre, Hall D on Friday, May 16, 2008 at 2:00 p.m., with Reverend Kevin Tumback and Reverend Robert Rocheleau, Celebrants. Family and friends are invited to the Interment to follow at Queen's Park Cemetery, Field of Honour. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Michael's name to the Poppy Fund, No. 1, 4539 - 6 Street N.E., Calgary T2E 3A6 or Operation Christmas Fund, 20 Hopewell Way N.E., Calgary T3J 5H5. Messages of condolence may be forwarded to the family at www.piersons.ca . Arrangements are in care of PIERSON'S FUNERAL SERVICE. Telephone: 235-3602.
Cpl Starker was killed and another soldier wounded when they came under enemy small-arms fire during a foot patrol in the Pashmul region of Zhari district, west of Kandahar City.
Eighty-three soldiers, along with a diplomat, have died since Canada first sent troops to Afghanistan in 2002.
Mike Starker worked as a paramedic with Calgary Emergency Medical Services for over two years before his deployment in December 2007 on his second tour of duty in Afghanistan. He joined the reserves in 2003 after retiring from an extensive military career. Previously he served in the Calgary Highlanders, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry and the Canadian Airborne Regiment.
Cpl Starker is survived by his wife Nicole, parents Helen and Gunter Starker, sister Carolyn Straub, grandmother Stephanie Wasiutek, extended family and many friends. Predeceased by his grandmother Gertrude Starker Szelei. He is remembered for his leadership skills, special brand of humour and love of the outdoors.
Funeral Mass and service with full military honours held at the Round-Up Centre, Calgary on May 15, 2008.
*Sincere thanks to SusanR for her generous sponsorship of this memorial.∼His name was Cpl. Michael Starker and he died serving his country.
The Canadian military has now released the name of the 83rd soldier to die in combat for Canada. Starker was with the 15 Field Ambulance Regiment, based out of Edmonton, when he was killed during a foot patrol near Kandahar City on Tuesday.
The soldier died in war trying to extend the hand of peace. Officials say his patrol was part of a team attempting to reach out to Afghan natives, when the group came under attack in the Pashmul region, about 25 kilometres from Canada's home base.
Starker was hit and killed in the attack, while another soldier, whose name has not been released, was also wounded.
The 36-year-old was a paramedic with Calgary EMS before he joined the Armed Forces.
"I think it's clear from his … profession that he was one of those people who wanted to help others," a tearful Calgary EMS chief Tom Sampson noted after hearing of his colleague's sudden death.
"He certainly served his duty helping Calgarians here and I think he went to help there. And it's such a shame that he should die while trying to help like that."
Pashmul has been a hotly contested region since Canadian troops deployed in Kandahar more than two years ago. The fact the soldiers could walk through the area and interact with the locals was a hopeful sign and Canadian troops won't be deterred, according to Brigadier-General Guy Laroche, commander of Canadian troops in Afghanistan.
"The intent was to exchange with the population — something we could not do last year," the leader reflects. "We will maintain our presence there as long as we need to do so."
It's the 83rd Canadian soldier lost to the fight overseas. A diplomat also died in the war-torn nation in 2006.
Canada was slated to withdraw from the country in 2009, but the mission was recently extended with the proviso that other NATO countries aid in the fight.
___________________________________________________________________________
STARKER _ Michael Gunter February 16, 1972 - May 6, 2008 On May 6, 2008 Cpl. Mike Starker of 15 (Edmonton) Field Ambulance was killed in action in Afghanistan at the age of 36. Mike will be forever loved and missed by his adoring wife of ten years Nicole; loving parents Helen and Gunter Starker and proud sister Carolyn (Grant) Straub all of Calgary; grandmother Stephanie Wasiutek (Strasbourg, France) and uncle Wasyl Wasiutek (Breitenbach, France); mother-in-law Jane (and the late Ray) Seguin and brother-in-law Raymond (Laura) Seguin of Windsor, ON. He is predeceased by grandmother Gertrude Szelei (Calgary). Mike will be fondly remembered by his nieces Sarah, Katie and Serene; nephew Ray and godson James; many cousins in Calgary, Germany and France along with countless other family, friends and members of his military and Emergency Medical Services families. During his military career, Mike served in the Calgary Highlanders, PPCLI, Canadian Airborne Regiment and 15 (Edmonton) Field Ambulance. He gave his life while completing his third tour of duty as a Canadian soldier. A valued member of Calgary EMS since 2005, he loved being a paramedic. He enjoyed taking care of others. Mike will long be remembered for his leadership, compassion, sense of humour and fun-loving nature as well as his great capacity to love and be loved by those around him. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to 15 (Edmonton) Field Ambulance (especially Second-Lieutenant Terry Larson) and the wonderful Calgary EMS staff for their unwavering support and assistance. Thank you to Mike's brothers and sisters at arms from both the reserve and regular force communities, Canadian Forces Army leadership, the Calgary Police Service and the Calgary Fire Department for their help and kindness. The family would also like to acknowledge the amazing compassion and empathy from the supporters across Canada. A time of visitation for family and friends will be held at St. Albert the Great Roman Catholic Church, 10 Prestwick Drive S.E., on Thursday May 15, 2008 from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m., followed by Prayers and Eulogy from 7:45 to 10:00 p.m. The public are invited to attend the Roman Catholic Funeral Mass to be held at the Round-Up Centre, Hall D on Friday, May 16, 2008 at 2:00 p.m., with Reverend Kevin Tumback and Reverend Robert Rocheleau, Celebrants. Family and friends are invited to the Interment to follow at Queen's Park Cemetery, Field of Honour. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Michael's name to the Poppy Fund, No. 1, 4539 - 6 Street N.E., Calgary T2E 3A6 or Operation Christmas Fund, 20 Hopewell Way N.E., Calgary T3J 5H5. Messages of condolence may be forwarded to the family at www.piersons.ca . Arrangements are in care of PIERSON'S FUNERAL SERVICE. Telephone: 235-3602.
Corporal, medic with 15 (Edmonton) Field Ambulance. Aged 36, he was a reservist from Calgary, Alberta serving with the Canadian contingent of NATO forces in Afghanistan.
Cpl Starker was killed and another soldier wounded when they came under enemy small-arms fire during a foot patrol in the Pashmul region of Zhari district, west of Kandahar City.
Eighty-three soldiers, along with a diplomat, have died since Canada first sent troops to Afghanistan in 2002.
Mike Starker worked as a paramedic with Calgary Emergency Medical Services for over two years before his deployment in December 2007 on his second tour of duty in Afghanistan. He joined the reserves in 2003 after retiring from an extensive military career. Previously he served in the Calgary Highlanders, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry and the Canadian Airborne Regiment.
Cpl Starker is survived by his wife Nicole, parents Helen and Gunter Starker, sister Carolyn Straub, grandmother Stephanie Wasiutek, extended family and many friends. Predeceased by his grandmother Gertrude Starker Szelei. He is remembered for his leadership skills, special brand of humour and love of the outdoors.
Funeral Mass and service with full military honours held at the Round-Up Centre, Calgary on May 15, 2008.
*Sincere thanks to SusanR for her generous sponsorship of this memorial.∼His name was Cpl. Michael Starker and he died serving his country.
The Canadian military has now released the name of the 83rd soldier to die in combat for Canada. Starker was with the 15 Field Ambulance Regiment, based out of Edmonton, when he was killed during a foot patrol near Kandahar City on Tuesday.
The soldier died in war trying to extend the hand of peace. Officials say his patrol was part of a team attempting to reach out to Afghan natives, when the group came under attack in the Pashmul region, about 25 kilometres from Canada's home base.
Starker was hit and killed in the attack, while another soldier, whose name has not been released, was also wounded.
The 36-year-old was a paramedic with Calgary EMS before he joined the Armed Forces.
"I think it's clear from his … profession that he was one of those people who wanted to help others," a tearful Calgary EMS chief Tom Sampson noted after hearing of his colleague's sudden death.
"He certainly served his duty helping Calgarians here and I think he went to help there. And it's such a shame that he should die while trying to help like that."
Pashmul has been a hotly contested region since Canadian troops deployed in Kandahar more than two years ago. The fact the soldiers could walk through the area and interact with the locals was a hopeful sign and Canadian troops won't be deterred, according to Brigadier-General Guy Laroche, commander of Canadian troops in Afghanistan.
"The intent was to exchange with the population — something we could not do last year," the leader reflects. "We will maintain our presence there as long as we need to do so."
It's the 83rd Canadian soldier lost to the fight overseas. A diplomat also died in the war-torn nation in 2006.
Canada was slated to withdraw from the country in 2009, but the mission was recently extended with the proviso that other NATO countries aid in the fight.
___________________________________________________________________________
STARKER _ Michael Gunter February 16, 1972 - May 6, 2008 On May 6, 2008 Cpl. Mike Starker of 15 (Edmonton) Field Ambulance was killed in action in Afghanistan at the age of 36. Mike will be forever loved and missed by his adoring wife of ten years Nicole; loving parents Helen and Gunter Starker and proud sister Carolyn (Grant) Straub all of Calgary; grandmother Stephanie Wasiutek (Strasbourg, France) and uncle Wasyl Wasiutek (Breitenbach, France); mother-in-law Jane (and the late Ray) Seguin and brother-in-law Raymond (Laura) Seguin of Windsor, ON. He is predeceased by grandmother Gertrude Szelei (Calgary). Mike will be fondly remembered by his nieces Sarah, Katie and Serene; nephew Ray and godson James; many cousins in Calgary, Germany and France along with countless other family, friends and members of his military and Emergency Medical Services families. During his military career, Mike served in the Calgary Highlanders, PPCLI, Canadian Airborne Regiment and 15 (Edmonton) Field Ambulance. He gave his life while completing his third tour of duty as a Canadian soldier. A valued member of Calgary EMS since 2005, he loved being a paramedic. He enjoyed taking care of others. Mike will long be remembered for his leadership, compassion, sense of humour and fun-loving nature as well as his great capacity to love and be loved by those around him. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to 15 (Edmonton) Field Ambulance (especially Second-Lieutenant Terry Larson) and the wonderful Calgary EMS staff for their unwavering support and assistance. Thank you to Mike's brothers and sisters at arms from both the reserve and regular force communities, Canadian Forces Army leadership, the Calgary Police Service and the Calgary Fire Department for their help and kindness. The family would also like to acknowledge the amazing compassion and empathy from the supporters across Canada. A time of visitation for family and friends will be held at St. Albert the Great Roman Catholic Church, 10 Prestwick Drive S.E., on Thursday May 15, 2008 from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m., followed by Prayers and Eulogy from 7:45 to 10:00 p.m. The public are invited to attend the Roman Catholic Funeral Mass to be held at the Round-Up Centre, Hall D on Friday, May 16, 2008 at 2:00 p.m., with Reverend Kevin Tumback and Reverend Robert Rocheleau, Celebrants. Family and friends are invited to the Interment to follow at Queen's Park Cemetery, Field of Honour. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Michael's name to the Poppy Fund, No. 1, 4539 - 6 Street N.E., Calgary T2E 3A6 or Operation Christmas Fund, 20 Hopewell Way N.E., Calgary T3J 5H5. Messages of condolence may be forwarded to the family at www.piersons.ca . Arrangements are in care of PIERSON'S FUNERAL SERVICE. Telephone: 235-3602.
Cpl Starker was killed and another soldier wounded when they came under enemy small-arms fire during a foot patrol in the Pashmul region of Zhari district, west of Kandahar City.
Eighty-three soldiers, along with a diplomat, have died since Canada first sent troops to Afghanistan in 2002.
Mike Starker worked as a paramedic with Calgary Emergency Medical Services for over two years before his deployment in December 2007 on his second tour of duty in Afghanistan. He joined the reserves in 2003 after retiring from an extensive military career. Previously he served in the Calgary Highlanders, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry and the Canadian Airborne Regiment.
Cpl Starker is survived by his wife Nicole, parents Helen and Gunter Starker, sister Carolyn Straub, grandmother Stephanie Wasiutek, extended family and many friends. Predeceased by his grandmother Gertrude Starker Szelei. He is remembered for his leadership skills, special brand of humour and love of the outdoors.
Funeral Mass and service with full military honours held at the Round-Up Centre, Calgary on May 15, 2008.
*Sincere thanks to SusanR for her generous sponsorship of this memorial.∼His name was Cpl. Michael Starker and he died serving his country.
The Canadian military has now released the name of the 83rd soldier to die in combat for Canada. Starker was with the 15 Field Ambulance Regiment, based out of Edmonton, when he was killed during a foot patrol near Kandahar City on Tuesday.
The soldier died in war trying to extend the hand of peace. Officials say his patrol was part of a team attempting to reach out to Afghan natives, when the group came under attack in the Pashmul region, about 25 kilometres from Canada's home base.
Starker was hit and killed in the attack, while another soldier, whose name has not been released, was also wounded.
The 36-year-old was a paramedic with Calgary EMS before he joined the Armed Forces.
"I think it's clear from his … profession that he was one of those people who wanted to help others," a tearful Calgary EMS chief Tom Sampson noted after hearing of his colleague's sudden death.
"He certainly served his duty helping Calgarians here and I think he went to help there. And it's such a shame that he should die while trying to help like that."
Pashmul has been a hotly contested region since Canadian troops deployed in Kandahar more than two years ago. The fact the soldiers could walk through the area and interact with the locals was a hopeful sign and Canadian troops won't be deterred, according to Brigadier-General Guy Laroche, commander of Canadian troops in Afghanistan.
"The intent was to exchange with the population — something we could not do last year," the leader reflects. "We will maintain our presence there as long as we need to do so."
It's the 83rd Canadian soldier lost to the fight overseas. A diplomat also died in the war-torn nation in 2006.
Canada was slated to withdraw from the country in 2009, but the mission was recently extended with the proviso that other NATO countries aid in the fight.
___________________________________________________________________________
STARKER _ Michael Gunter February 16, 1972 - May 6, 2008 On May 6, 2008 Cpl. Mike Starker of 15 (Edmonton) Field Ambulance was killed in action in Afghanistan at the age of 36. Mike will be forever loved and missed by his adoring wife of ten years Nicole; loving parents Helen and Gunter Starker and proud sister Carolyn (Grant) Straub all of Calgary; grandmother Stephanie Wasiutek (Strasbourg, France) and uncle Wasyl Wasiutek (Breitenbach, France); mother-in-law Jane (and the late Ray) Seguin and brother-in-law Raymond (Laura) Seguin of Windsor, ON. He is predeceased by grandmother Gertrude Szelei (Calgary). Mike will be fondly remembered by his nieces Sarah, Katie and Serene; nephew Ray and godson James; many cousins in Calgary, Germany and France along with countless other family, friends and members of his military and Emergency Medical Services families. During his military career, Mike served in the Calgary Highlanders, PPCLI, Canadian Airborne Regiment and 15 (Edmonton) Field Ambulance. He gave his life while completing his third tour of duty as a Canadian soldier. A valued member of Calgary EMS since 2005, he loved being a paramedic. He enjoyed taking care of others. Mike will long be remembered for his leadership, compassion, sense of humour and fun-loving nature as well as his great capacity to love and be loved by those around him. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to 15 (Edmonton) Field Ambulance (especially Second-Lieutenant Terry Larson) and the wonderful Calgary EMS staff for their unwavering support and assistance. Thank you to Mike's brothers and sisters at arms from both the reserve and regular force communities, Canadian Forces Army leadership, the Calgary Police Service and the Calgary Fire Department for their help and kindness. The family would also like to acknowledge the amazing compassion and empathy from the supporters across Canada. A time of visitation for family and friends will be held at St. Albert the Great Roman Catholic Church, 10 Prestwick Drive S.E., on Thursday May 15, 2008 from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m., followed by Prayers and Eulogy from 7:45 to 10:00 p.m. The public are invited to attend the Roman Catholic Funeral Mass to be held at the Round-Up Centre, Hall D on Friday, May 16, 2008 at 2:00 p.m., with Reverend Kevin Tumback and Reverend Robert Rocheleau, Celebrants. Family and friends are invited to the Interment to follow at Queen's Park Cemetery, Field of Honour. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Michael's name to the Poppy Fund, No. 1, 4539 - 6 Street N.E., Calgary T2E 3A6 or Operation Christmas Fund, 20 Hopewell Way N.E., Calgary T3J 5H5. Messages of condolence may be forwarded to the family at www.piersons.ca . Arrangements are in care of PIERSON'S FUNERAL SERVICE. Telephone: 235-3602.
Inscription
STARKER
MICHAEL GUNTER
1972-2008
"EX COELIS"
NICOLE MARIE
1973-
