Bernard Howard Starkey passed away at home, surrounded by family, on October 1, 2024. He was born on April 26, 1934, in Hinsdale, NH, to Myrtle and William Starkey and was one of six children.
After his parents passed away when he was a very young boy, he lived with several families while growing up but retained fond memories of his childhood. After graduating high school, he joined the Air Force, where he served for four years. Shortly after, he met the love of his life, Idella Taylor. They were married in 1956 in Pontiac, MI, and sealed in the LDS temple shortly thereafter. They were married for 59 years until her death in 2016. Together, they had eight children: Stephanie (Dale) Smith, Matthew (Penny) Starkey, Rebecca Starkey (stillborn), Jeffrey Starkey, Jennifer (Scott) Johansson, Benjamin (Kirstin) Starkey, Rachel (Reed) Wright, and Laura (Rick) Baker. They also had 19 grandchildren: Jessica (Jon) Benkovsky, Ian (Tenniel) Smith, Justin Starkey, Franz (Mary) Johansson, Ashley Starkey, Hailey Meacham, Katie Starkey, Harrison (Sydney) Smith, Joshua (Emily) Wright, Jacob Wright, Hannah (David) Hobb, Michaela Starkey, Austin Baker, Adam Baker, McKenzie (Ben) Hetes, Alex (Samantha) Baker, Joslyn (Cash) Larson, Danielle Starkey, and Brandon Starkey, along with 21 great-grandchildren.
Bernie and Idella raised their children in Michigan, where he worked for Henry Ford Health System as the director of food services for 20 years. After retiring from Henry Ford, he worked as a consultant for the Hysen Group in New York and parts of the East Coast for 10 years. He had fond memories of this time. They later served a mission in Hawaii for the LDS Church before moving to Utah, where they lived ever since.
A couple of years after Idella's passing, Bernie married Carlene Curtis. They were married for several years until her passing in 2022.
Services will be held on Monday, October 7, 2024, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830 East 6400 South, Murray, UT 84121. Visitation will be from 9:30 AM until 10:45 AM, followed by the service at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 1342 E 500 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84102.
Guestbook/Condolences
I feel it a blessing to have known Bernie Starkey. I will be forever grateful to you Bernie for being such a wonderful blessing and an amazing influence on my son Rick’s life. Thank you, God for the blessing of Bernard Starkey🙏
Have so many fond memories of Bernie, Idella and their wonderful family. He is lost to us, but now back with his sweetheart. God bless his wonderful family.
I’m so sorry for your family’s loss, Jennifer and Rachel. I can see how much your dad meant to all of you. Wishing you blessings and peace as you reflect on his life. ♥️
Rachel, Reed, Josh, Emily, Jacob, Cassy, Joslyn, Cash and Siblings of Rachel,
We are so great full to have known your Father & Grandfather, Bernie. He and Idell raised some wonderful children. What a great legacy he has led behind with such a unique fascinating life story. He will be missed.
You all brought so much happiness in his last days. We Love you all and are thinking of you at this time. With our deepest sympathy,
Love Doug and Karen Eskelson
Rachel, Reed, Josh, Emily, Jacob, Cassy, Joslyn, Cash and Siblings of Rachel,
We are so great full to have known your Father & Grandfather, Bernie. He and Idell raised some wonderful children. What a great legacy he has led behind with such a unique fascinating life story. He will be missed.
You all brought so much happiness in his last days. We Love you all and are thinking of you at this time. With our deepest sympathy,
Love Doug and Karen Eskelson
Rachel, Reed, Josh, Emily, Jacob, Cassy, Joslyn, Cash and Siblings of Rachel,
We are so great full to have known your Father & Grandfather, Bernie. He and Idell raised some wonderful children. What a great legacy he has led behind with such a unique fascinating life story. He will be missed.
You all brought so much happiness in his last days. We Love you all and are thinking of you at this time. With our deepest sympathy,
Love Doug and Karen Eskelson
Sending my love at this difficult time. Bernie was someone who I really enjoyed having conversations with, a wonderful man. Him and my Aunt Carlene had some precious times together, which made me happy💕
to the family of Bernard,
Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your father. My thoughts are with you
Jennifer, It seems like your father was such a strong force and a source of strength for his family, coworkers and community. My heart goes out to you and your family. I am sending hugs and keeping you all in my prayers.
Our love to the Starkey family. Families are forever.
Uncle Bernie was such a kind and loving man. He was the rock and foundation of your family. He always had a commanding presence and you could feel his sincerity whenever he spoke with you. We will always remember his gift for preparing foods for the entire family at Thanksgiving and special occasions. Our family loved him dearly. Your Mom was so lucky to find such a great man and raise an amazing family. His influence and love in all of his family is the legacy he leaves behind. I can speak for all of the Robidas when I say we all loved him and he will be sorely missed. Our sincerest condolences to all of you.
Dear Bernard Starkey family,
It was such a gift to be able to have Bernie in my mom's life. It was so beautiful to see her happy and dancing with him.! She loved her peaceful life with him. Bernie was so kind, patient and such a loving partner in the last years of her life.
Thank you for sharing him with us! He will be missed by many for his kindness and caring personality.
Prayers and love to you and your family at this time.
Much love,
~Melonie
What a sad day to have to bid farewell to such a grand man. So many memories of this guy. Our family were neighbors of Bernie for many years. Such a handyman and world class cook! Always good for a sweet visit and so generous to our family. We will miss him dearly. Warmest regards to Reed, Rachel and all of the other family he leaves behind. God bless his memory.
Bernard was a good man and a great role model. He will be sorely missed.
I just saw this. I'm sorry the people that kept the food service business running have passed....hey maybe they are throwing a catered party. :)