David Ewald Starker, born 9 April 1936, was killed during a failed robbery at his home in Johannesburg on 1 March 2015.
He was the eldest of Joe Starker’s four children. Joe Starker taught science for many years at PBHS and was well known for his “It’ll burn baby burn”. David loved adventure. After matriculating in 1954 he travelled to London and then onto Malaya to work for Dunlop on their rubber plantations. He lived in Malaya for four years taking many excursions into the Malayan jungle.
On returning to the UK he met his wife Sylvia and they started their family. In 1968 David and his family returned to South Africa where he had a successful career in telecommunications; working as a director at TMSA for 10 years and then as a director of the Altech Group for 16 year until his retirement. He enjoyed many hobbies which he avidly pursued after retirement. His workshop was always a hive of activity, where he with his four children and nine grandchildren worked on varied projects bringing their dreams to life.
He was passionate about horology and made four clocks. He restored numerous vintage cars to concourse condition with his son and grandsons. He is sorely missed by his wife, loving family and his many dear friends. We are blessed to have had so many wonderful years with him and to have such special memories of him, his humour and great laughter. His wisdom, love of life and great kindness to others, lives on in all of us.
Helen Stewart (Daughter)