Chris Stark (1947-2019)

To the Stark family: So sorry to learn of the loss of Mr. Stark. He certainly fulfilled a great and lasting purpose in life . May he rest in peace after a life well lived.

I’ve had the privilege and honor of knowing Chris for well over 25 years, and have witnessed him influence so much in society to the betterment of people like me who live with vision loss. Throughout it all Maria was always there giving strength to every tough access issue Chris took on. And now, there is Jeff who is most certainly following in the footsteps of his father and mother both. Chris may be gone, but his legacy lives on. One specific memory I’d like to share, and that’s Chris and I in L.A. sipping scotch with Ted Henter the founder of JAWS. As much as Chris took on tough challenges, he also knew how to have fun – I’ll miss the big guy. All my best to his family.

Sympathies Marie, Jeff, Chantal, toute la famille. Notre communauté des personnes aveugles perd un grand homme, un défenseur de la promotion et intérêts des droits des personnes handicapées dans la région et au Canada. Chris laissera sa marque notamment pour l'accès aux machines bancaires. Je me souviens du premier lancement à Ottawa en 1997. Membre de plusieurs organismes, Chris avait une préoccupation pour les droits des personnes handicapées, l'autonomie et la qualité de vie. C'est en lisant la nécrologie que j'apprends les hommages et reconnaissances à Chris et cela va de soi pour toute la famille. Sincères condoléances. Je suis avec vous en pensée dans ces moment difficiles.

Dear Stark family: Chris's loss will be felt by all of us who have benefited from his selfless advocacy. Always eager to share, listen and to provide suggestions when needed he was a true friend. Of the many people whom I've had the pleasure of working with, I considered Chris a friend and it has been a privilidge to know and learn from him. At this, your time of sorrow, my thoughts are with you. I trust that you will find the strength to move on, knowing that Chris's legacy continues to benefit those of us who are blind. Thank you Chris for your passion, commitment and belief in our rights as equal citicens in a democrratic society.

To Marie and the entire Stark family, I will cherish my memories of conversations with Chris about everything from advocacy to finance and from humour to human rights. I only hope that we who are left have what it takes to continue to advocate, to continue to strive to make things better--if not in our lifetime then for future generations. Chris has joined the other advocates we have lost,and I know he'll keep fighting for better things--wherever they all are!

I first met Chris in 1999. This was back when I was in the RadioWebcaster business. We were doing what we thought were great things, and given the technology available, I guess we were doing some pretty neat things with what we had. I don't think even Chris could have imagined how the products we ran back then would evolve into what we run today, but he was a believer, expressed his faith in our abilities, and he followed me into what would become the Freedom Box. When I say he was there from the beginning, I genuinely mean the very beginning. He continued following me into the Serotek venture. Everyone will remember him from his activity in the community. What people would not have immediately seen is the way he privately held me accountable. He had a certain way about being candid with me, of advocating for bigger, better, without compromising the principles that had kept him around as a loyal customer for so many years. Through Chris I met his son, Jeff. Jeff is an outstanding advocate in his own right and another amazing contributor to the community we established. Our heart goes out to Jeff for his and his family's loss. It is our collective loss, and I sincerely pray the various missions Chris started will continue pushing forward with the same compassion Chris exercised. May God see fit to cradle Chris in His warm embrace. He was an adamant advocate to us all. He was an excellent father and husband. He was my dear friend. May he rest in peace.

I am sorry to learn of Chris' passing. We worked together on the BAF Grants Committee over many sessions and I feel that we became 'brothers-in-arms'. Chris was a disciplined and knowledgeable evaluator of every project and did examine every aspect of proposals. Often, he raised questions that were relevant yet none of us on the Committee thought about them before. His commitment to make the broadcasting world more accessible to all people with disabilities was total. Chris kept us on our toes and his challenge to reasoned thinking, fairness, and sensitivity helped us to make better decisions. His presence and contribution to our community will be missed. My condolences to Chris' family and friend Charles A. Laszlo, CM, OBC, PhD, PEng(retired) Professor Emeritus University of British Columbia

Chris Stark was one of the finest advocates, not to mention people, with whom it has ever been my privilege to work. Nothing seemed impossible when Chris, often teamed with his beloved Marie, set his mind, will and infectious sense of good humour to it. Mountains got moved. Bon voyage Chris

To Marie and the Stark family, I am so shocked and saddened to hear about Chris. Chris and I worked together at the Agency but I considered him to be more than a co-worker. Chris was a friend. He will be so missed by so many people.

I remember the first day I met Chris back in the early 90's. I thought thought to myself "I'm really going to like this guy, he is pretty cool". I always admired his honesty, tenacity and advocacy. It was a privilege to have worked with him. I always looked up to him as someone we should all strive to be like. I agree, he will be sorely missed.

I sit here today thinking of my good friend Chris Stark. I’m feeling sad and my heart hurts. I’m thinking you left us way too soon my friend. I’ve known Chris since I was a kid at the residential school in Halifax, N.S. He hired me as a university student providing recreational activities for blind and visually impaired students during the summer. My husband, Marty, and I have been friends with Chris and Marie for well over 40 years. We’ve been guests in their home, our families shared vacation time together, and made many a day trip to Montreal to watch the Montreal Expos play; what fun that was. When we first moved to Ottawa, Chris and Marie offered us a place to stay until our house was ready and they couldn’t make us more welcome or comfortable. In the last few years, though we’ve lived a bit more distant from each other, we still managed to get together, spend lots of hours sharing meals together and man, could he barbecue a steak! We had many discussions about books, politics, municipal affairs, work and lots of advocacy issues. I really appreciated the sage advice I got from Chris on a number of issues. That’s one of the things I’ll remember most about Chris; his generosity and genuine kindness. He couldn’t do enough for you. He was always inquiring as to how you were doing and how things were going for you. I know people across Canada are probably aware of his awards and contributions to our advancements as blind and visually impaired citizens, but I can’t say enough about how impressed and inspired I am about how effective both he and Marie have been in moving the bar forward for us on so many issues: on gaining access to automated banking machines, on access to printed material from government departments, solutions to travel barriers with major carriers in Canada, to improvements with voting systems in elections, with issues of accessibility for guide dog handlers, and on and on. When Chris experienced a barrier, he took it on with a view to resolution for his experience, but also with a greater view to making it better for all of us. He had tenacity and determination. He had a brilliant mind and was a superb strategist; not only in advocacy but for hours we’d play cards, and while Marty, Marie and I would be boasting about how well we were doing, Chris would be quietly strategizing and calculating the best time to make his move, and wham, he’d win the hand or the game. He was a great sport and lots of fun to be around. For those who didn’t know him personally, Chris was warm, giving and fun. I can still hear his hearty, jolly laugh. I’ll miss that. And I’ll miss his company. But I’ll always treasure his friendship. Rest in peace, Chris. Your legacy that has been so aptly recognized this week will live on through your family: Marie, Jeff, Chantal and grandchildren.

Chris was my mentor and colleague during my working time at the Canadian Transportation Agency. He would analyze every project and devise creative solutions to move it to a successful completion. There were no obstacles, only problems that could be solved. When retirement arrived, I spent many wonderful visits with Chris and Marie enjoying their tales from travelling and updates on their family. Sometimes we are lucky in life to meet great people and I am lucky to have had you as my friend. You will missed

My condolences to the entire Stark family. Chris, along with notable others, turned the tide towards accessibility in Canada. We are walking on the backs of giants.

To Marie and the Stark family: I am very sad to hear about Chris. I worked as his part-time reader at the Agency for almost 5 years and it was a great pleasure to work with him. He was more than a boss, he was a friend and mentor. He will be greatly missed.

On June third 2019, I lost a friend, a mentor and an outstanding manager and supporter. Years ago, I had the opportunity to join his team at the Canadian Transportation Agency (Accessible Transportation Directorate). As Chris would say, I have been working with Chris and not for him. The following values were part of his portfolio ( kindness, determination, dedication and respect). During the course of our life, we are given the opportunity to meet great people who have a significant influence on us. Chris, let me tell you, you were one of the best. You have always been there for me. During all these years, I was fortunate to appreciate your multiple talents. An outstanding speaker, a phenomenal motivator an the best ambassador that the Canadian Transportation Agency as well as the community of persons with disabilities ever had in promoting the advancement of accessibility. Chris was an amazing human being. Thanks to you Chris for always been a valuable support to me. You have played a significant role in my life. You will be greatly missed. Marie, Jeff, Chantal and family, accept my sincere condolences. You all have all the reasons to be proud of him. Michel June 8 at 10:40 am

Words alone can not fully express the depth of emotions that many of us are feeling about the untimely and sudden passing of Chris Stark. Chris is a friend, colleague, warrior, brilliant thinker and a humanitarian. Many of us are proud, privileged and honoured to have met, worked with, learned from, but most importantly, befriended. Saying those words does not even begin to capture what he means to us individually and collectively. Chris evoked in all of us a depth of feeling that is not describable and yet we all understand it deep within. In the weeks, months and years to come, through the shock, tears, pain and laughter evoked from each of our stories, let us all continue to grow from the lessons he taught us. Let us appreciate the power of one persons conviction that we matter and that he was going to make sure others understood that as well. Let us consider making his life's work stand for something greater than ourselves, as he did. Let us all stand taller, think deeper and be kinder to each other. Let us always consider the knowledge and power of one voice to be brought out in all of us, unafraid. Let us never give up on ourselves, our work and our ability to make a difference. Is it not ironic and fitting that at this time of his passing, Chris has 4 outstanding complaints at CTA waiting for adjudication? Maybe that is one of the many lessons of all this. Our work is never completed and there will always be more to do. Every time from this day forward when we use a bank machine and it is accessible to us, let it remind us it was Chris that made that possible. What can we do to evoke real change? Time will tell but lest we forget the lessons and dedication from you we draw Chris. Thank you Chris, safe travels. Heather Walkus, Yvonne Peters

Hi Jeffrey, my sincere condolences to you and your family on the passing of your father. I never got to meet him, but I always enjoyed the stories you told me about him and the many adventures that you went on as a family. Take care.

Dear members of the Stark family, Please accept my condolences on your loss. I met Chris and Marie at the CSUN Conference in Los Angeles over 20 years ago. At CSUN 1999, Chris and I chatted about accessible web sites and consumer products, and upon returning home, we continued the conversation via email. I was relatively new to digital accessibility in those days, but found Chris, who I knew as a pioneer in the field, approachable, engaging, and encouraging. I will be thinking of you all during this difficult transition. May his memory be a blessing.

Condolences to the Stark family from two school friends, Archie Hopkins. And his sister Doris Lidstone.

I was saddened to hear the news today of Chris's passing and my deepest sympathies to Marie and the Stark family for your loss. I worked with Chris at the Agency and witnessed first hand his dedication, drive and dogged pursuit to accomplish his goals and to overcome any obstacles before him. He was not afraid to challenge the status quo and was always able to produce a well reasoned argument to back up his views. He was such a gifted communicator and I still remember how he could capture and enthrall an audience when making one of his innumerable public presentations. Watching an audience sit up straighter, lean forward, listen to his every word and feed off his energy was remarkable. He was an excellent spokesperson for the Agency and earned the respect of all the clients he served. He lived life fully and his laugh livened many an office gathering. I am so glad our life paths crossed.

We send our deepest condolences to the Stark Family - Marie, Jeff, Chantal, their spouses, and grandchildren. It is with much sadness we learn of the passing of Mr. Christopher Stark; a fine man, friend, and trailblazer for the blind and vision impaired community. Memories of his booming voice from his basement dungeon as we arrived at his and Marie's home for an evening of companionship will live on. Thank you Chris for your many contributions and improvements in the lives of blind and visually impaired Canadians over your lifetime. Your kind spirit, generosity, and friendship will definitely be missed. May you rest in peace surrounded by your playful and devoted guide dogs, the sound of ocean waves, the warmth of the sun, the songs of birds, the tranquility of wind chimes, and a beautiful garden. Oh and lets not forget the hospitality, barbeques, and laughter. Love to you all Tim and Linda Al-Molky, and guide dog "Naoko"

Dear Marie and Family At the Canadian Human Rights Commission Chris was known as one of our frequent complainers. Some saw that as a negative. I always saw it as a positive. His dedication, knowledge, and perseverance resulted in many advances for people with disabilities. May his memory always be for a blessing. Harvey Goldberg

Chris was a Canadian rock-star advocating for changes in society to address accessibility inequities and injustices. He lead the way for many who followed instilling them with passion and determination.

My husband David and I would like to extend our sincerest condolences to the Stark family. Chris's life and achievements were truly inspirational. His courage and determination will not be forgotten. Thank you, Chris.

To Marie and to the Stark family: The members of The Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians (AEBC) are saddened to hear of Chris's sudden passing. Chris gave so generously of his time and knowledge, not only as a member of AEBC but as adedicated advocate for many years. We are so sorry for your loss and we are thinking about you today as you celebrate his remarkable life. Chris was a believer in equality for all persons who are blind and we will always remember him for the way he fought so passionately for what he believed was right. We wish you all moments of peace and comfort.

I happened upon the news of Chris's passing yesterday, totally by accident. I had the privilege of being Chris Stark's assistant at the CTA after I graduated from university. I got to share an office with him and his guide dog, Richie. Working alongside Chris was such an incredible honour for anyone, never mind someone so young who knew so little of the world. I got to read some of his autobiography (which I very much hope he completed) and learn about his childhood. He was funny, irreverent and so incredibly kind. I'll never forget that job or some of the wisdom Chris passed along to me. My deepest condolences to his family.