George A. Stark

George Stark, 90, passed away on September 10th at Northwoods Lodge in Silverdale from complications of Pneumonia. George was among the longest- surviving heart transplant recipients on record. He was 61 and 62 when he received his two respective heart transplants in Utah.
George was born in Choteau, Montana, where he spent his childhood years. He moved to Helena with his mother and siblings, but George didn't stay long. He was pretty much on his own by age 15, working as a ranch-hand and competing in rodeos, riding bulls and horses.
George lied about his age in order to enlist and fight in World War II. He was 16 when he joined the Marines. He was sent to Tientsin, China, where his artillery regiment was deployed at the end of the war to repatriate the Japanese. George also fought in the Korean conflict and spent his last years as a Marine in Honolulu. He left the Marines after 10 years and joined the Army, where he served in Miami, Redmond, Washington and ultimately Fairbanks, Alaska, which he then made his family home.
Over the last 28 years, George hade several medical setbacks but took each one in stride and quickly moved on. He never complained. He never lost sight of his next adventure and was always talking about what he wanted to do next. George had an ability to make people of all ages and backgrounds feel comfortable when he was around. He could be a tough guy with a booming voice, but he was kind and very compassionate. He loved his family, especially his wife, Monica, three daughters and dogs, Spud and Jake. He moved to Port Orchards 17 years ago to be closer to family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Joseph, daughter Heidi Stark, brothers Harry, John and Joe Stark, sister Frances Susag and former wife Marilyn Sue Stark. He is survived by his wife Monica, daughters Aya Hamilton (Drew Welk) and Tanya (Joe) Plutt, sister Virginia Davies, sister in law Katie Stark, nephew Chuck (Colleen) Stark, grandsons Nicholas and Christopher Plutt, granddaughter Brigette Stark, and step- children Janet (Dave) Birky, Andrew (Karen Erwin, Tina Pat Eaton, Bobbi Erwin, and Michael (Christine) Erwin.
A memorial Mass will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, September 25th, at St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Port Orchard. A reception will follow. He will be interred at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent later that day. In lieu of flowers gifts maybe made to St. Vincent de Paul (2525 Bethel Rd SE, Port Orchard, WA 98366) or Intermountain Foundation (36 S. State St., 23rd Floor, Salt Lake City, UT 84111). Please visit George's online guestbook at www.lewischapel.com.