Nathan Starr

NATHAN STARR

October 19, 1922

October 06, 2013

Nathan Starr was born on October 19, 1922, in Hardesty, Alberta, Canada to Jacob and Sima Starr. He had one older sister, Miriam. In 1948, he met the love of his life, Betty Loshaek, to whom he was happily married for 65 years. He was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather.

Nat was a true renaissance man. After being honorably discharged for medical reasons from the Canadian Army during World War II, he worked in the shipyards in Vancouver for the duration of the war. Before finding his longest career as a Jewish community worker and fundraiser, Nat worked as a map surveyor for the Alaska Highway in the NW Territories, as a field engineer in the Alberta oil fields, and as the owner/operator of Starr Store, in Provost, Alberta - the one and only dry goods store in the small farming community of 1,000 people. He retired from Peninsula Jewish Federation after over 25 years of dedicated service. Nat never really retired, though. He worked for the Swigg Foundation and volunteered on many boards. For several years, he was the chairperson for Peninsula Jewish Community Center's annual fund-raising auction.

Nat was also a man of many talents. He was a wonderful photographer and developed his black and white photos in his own dark room. He took beautiful pictures as he and Betty travelled the world together. Nat was also a leather-worker-making custom sandals, belts and purses for all of his family. He loved to dance and he loved music - he even taught himself to play the flute. He played tennis until he was over 80 years old.

The real story about Nat, though, is the man himself. There wasn't anyone who met him who wasn't charmed by his charismatic personality, his love of a good story or joke and his ability to engage every person he met. He was a wonderful listener and problem solver. His passing will leave a huge void for all who knew and loved him.

Nat is also survived by his four loving daughters - Niki (Dale Pope), Kathy (John Levi), Moi (Frank Figone), Debbi (Michael Parmisano), and eight grandchildren, who adored him.

Services will be held on Wednesday, October 9, 2013 at 1:00 pm at Peninsula Temple Sholom, 1655 Sebastian Drive, Burlingame . Private Interment at Skylawn Memorial Park, San Mateo. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Nat's name may be made to the charity of your choice.