J. Oliver Sturk

J. Oliver Sturk

April 22, 1928 – April 23, 2021

J. Oliver Sturk passed away peacefully the day after his 93rd birthday after a brief stay in the Queensway Carleton Hospital. He will be missed by his devoted wife Rosamond (nee Withers) of 71 years, his children Gregory, Murray (Louise), Sheila (Martin), his grandchildren Veronica, James, Savannah (Conor) and Daniel. He will also be missed by his nieces and nephews, Stephen (Andrea), Ronald (Susan), Eric (Claudette), Janet (Stephen), Lorraine (Gregory), Cynthia (Paul). Predeceased by his brother Edmund and sister-in-law Shirley.

Born in Morristown to Alton and Charlotte (Saunders), Oliver grew up on a farm in the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia, was educated in a one room school house, and in 1948 earned a BSc degree from Acadia University and went on to earn a Chemical Engineering degree from Nova Scotia Tech. At Acadia, he met his wife Rosamond whom he referred to as “an exotic beauty”.

Oliver worked as a Defence Scientist at the Department of National Defense for 35 years - first in Halifax at the Naval Research Establishment and then at Canadian Armament Research and Development, Quebec City. He then spent 22 years at the Chemical Warfare Laboratories, Shirley’s Bay, Ottawa. Oliver was a dedicated public servant who believed in Canada’s defense mission.

After retirement Oliver fulfilled his dreams to become a pilot, he earned his wings with the Ottawa Flying Club and spent many weekends cajoling friends and family to accompany him on Cessna flights over the Ottawa valley. He was an aeronautical aficionado, travelling cross-country to attend aircraft shows - Rosamond dutifully in tow. As a member of the Aviation Society and the Aviation Museum of Ottawa, he spent many Thursday nights sharing slides with like-minded enthusiasts.

Oliver and Rosamond loved to travel, before they became devoted grandparents, they enjoyed many cruise ship tours, and excursions to Australia, China and Europe. Known also for his love of Sunday afternoon drives, it wasn’t unusual for Oliver to drive several hours for a good picnic spot on the St. Lawrence or drive out of town for a good ice cream cone. Oliver loved seeing the world but a big part of his heart was in Nova Scotia - his favourite journeys were going “down home” visiting with family and friends.

Oliver was a stalwart member of Bromley Road Baptist Church since 1956. He was a deacon, handyman, Boy Scout Leader, Bromley baseball player, and friend to many.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Bromley Road Baptist Church would be welcomed. The family would like to thank the staff on ward C-3 at the Queensway Carleton Hospital for their thoughtful and gentle care of Oliver this past week. A private service will be held at Bromley Road Baptist Church on Wednesday, April 28, 2021.