H. Alan Stark ’55 died on February 13, 2021, in Richmond, Virginia
(The following was published by Cremation Society of Virginia on February 13, 2021)
Howard Alan Stark ’55
Howard Alan Stark joined his loved ones in heaven on February 13, 2021, three months shy of his 88th birthday; just in time to celebrate Valentine’s with his sweetheart, Jan.
Ever the optimist and encourager, Al loved his family and lived life to the fullest. Cherished for his tender heart, dry sense of humor, adventurous spirit and the twinkle in his eye, Al will be missed by all he loved and served throughout his life.
He held leadership roles in several organizations. His favorite included Theta Delta Chi Fraternity, Merrymeeting Audubon Society (founding member), Brunswick Rotary Club, Relay for Life and various church groups. He also founded the James M. Moulton fund at Bowdoin College to honor his beloved professor who fostered Al’s love of ornithology, botany, natural history, and oceanography.
Al shared his love of nature with family on countless blueberry picking, camping, fishing, fossil hunting, mining, mountain climbing, and skiing adventures. He also taught them how to play tennis, garden, and identify insects, wildflowers, birds, and their calls.
Born in Providence, RI to Howard Greenleaf and Myrtle Barker Stark, Al grew up exploring the Rhode Island coast, hiking the Maine woods, and fishing their many waters. He also enjoyed sailing, track, and tennis.
After graduating from Moses Brown School, Al earned a bachelor’s in biology from Bowdoin College. While attending Bowdoin, he formed lifelong friendships with his Theta Delta Chi brothers, and met the love of his life, Janice L. Jones, when a few TD’s went fishing for “brookies” at Westbrook Junior College.
After college Al became an ensign in the U.S. Navy. In 1957, He and Jan married and started their family. Following active duty, Al joined the Navy Reserves and retired as a commander in 1993. While in the reserves, Al managed his parent’s businesses, including Browning’s Department Store, in East Greenwich, RI., and his father-in-law’s business (W.E. Jones Well Drilling), which he later bought and renamed, Brunswick Artesian Well Company. In 1979 Jan and Al started their successful Amway business and traveled across the country and the world with the friends they made. Four years later, they accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. With strong faith, they served various ministries including First Parish Church in Brunswick, and Reed’s Mill Church in Madrid, Maine.
They sold the well drilling business in the 90’s and continued with Amway until health limited their travel. In 2007, they moved to their beautiful log home, on the Sandy River, that Jan designed. As usual, Al happily completed Jan’s interior and landscaping projects. After Jan passed, Al moved to Virginia so his grandson, Robert, and daughter, Mandy could help care for him. When health warranted, he received excellent care at Sitter and Barfoot VCC. Al is survived by his children Brad, Sarah, and Mandy; grandchildren Robert, Tyler, Hannah, James, and Chloé; and seven great grandchildren. A special thanks to family and friends (Allen, Jessica, LouAnn, Mondale, Nevin, and Virginia) who loved and supported Al while in Virginia. He is preceded in death by his wife, parents, and sister.