Charles Stark

          MUNISING - The Honorable Charles "Charlie" Howard Stark, former judge of the 11th Circuit Court of Michigan, passed away peacefully at his daughter's home in Boulder, Colo., June 27, 2011, at the age of 77, surrounded by his closest loved ones. His memory will be cherished forever by his family: Barbara S. (Baldwin) Stark, wife of 47 years; Laura J. Stark-Ghayur (Khalid Ghayur, son, Charlie, and daughter, Sophia); and David C. Stark (Stacey L. Stark and son, Tyler). He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Frances (Stewart) Stark. Charlie was born on Aug. 29, 1933, in Detroit. Charlie graduated from Plymouth High School in 1951 where he was class president and played varsity football and basketball. He earned a BA from the University of Michigan in 1955 and was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. He served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Gatling Destroyer from 1955-58. Charlie received his law degree from U of M's Law School in 1961 and became a member of the Michigan Bar Association in 1962. Charlie loved the law and had a rich career of public service including: assistant prosecutor in Grand Rapids; Alger County prosecutor; attorney for the city of Munising; Chatham village attorney and Munising School Board attorney. Charlie served as a judge in Michigan for 39 years. In 1969, he was appointed to the 93rd District Court and later was elected four times to that position. In 1988, Judge Stark was appointed and later elected to the 11th Circuit Court presiding over Alger, Luce, Schoolcraft, and Mackinaw Counties before retiring in December 2008. Judge Stark was known for his dedication and integrity, and was well respected by his colleagues. A fellow judge once wrote about him "The robe, the gavel and the title do not make a judge; humility, integrity and a dash of grit are what's really necessary He's a solid man first who just happens to be a judge." During his youth, Charlie also worked as a dishwasher, waiter, day laborer, night cashier at U of M Hospital, oil field roughneck, garbage man, guard at Wayne County Training School for Delinquents and real estate salesman. He was a man of many varied talents. Charlie was involved with many community and fraternal organizations, including serving on the boards of Munising Memorial Hospital and First National Bank. He was a member of the Grand Island Masonic Lodge, the Shriners, Munising Rotary Club and served as chancellor of the Northern Michigan Diocese of the Episcopal Church. Charlie spent a great deal of his free time on or near Lake Superior - aboard his beloved boat the Runaway or walking her pristine beaches. He was a founding member of the Grand Island Buckers Club where he hunted with close friends and was known for his special chicken wings. He enjoyed quiet walks in the hemlock and maple forests of the U.P. One of the only things that would keep him from a fall partridge hunt was watching a University of Michigan football game - he was True Blue through and through. Charlie also took great pleasure in playing basketball, which he did for many years at 6 a.m. before going to work. He mentored many young players in the art of a well-placed elbow. Charlie and Barbara travelled a great deal and particularly enjoyed trips to Russia and London where he took comparative law seminars as well as visiting their children in several foreign countries. In later years, "Papa" delighted in his three grandchildren - encouraging their love of reading and taking an active role in ensuring their knowledge of all things U.P. Charlie was loved for his quiet, compassionate demeanor. Often a man of few words, he always spoke with thoughtfulness, meaning and wit. He loved poetry, classic novels, and opera. Charlie touched many lives with his warmth and charm and will be greatly missed by colleagues, friends, and family. Visitation with the family will be on Tuesday, July 5, from 4-8 p.m. at the Bowerman Funeral Home in Munising with the Grand Island Masonic Lodge conducting a service at 7 p.m., followed by time for friends to share memories and stories of Charlie. Funeral services will begin at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 6, at Eden Lutheran Church in Munising, with the Rev. Cannon Carlson Gerdau officiating, followed by a committal at Maple Grove Cemetery. The Alger County Veterans and American Legion Honor Guard will conduct military honors. In lieu of flowers, Charlie asked that memorial contributions be addressed to: Alger Regional Community Foundation, P.O. Box 39,Munising, MI 49862, or St John's Episcopal Church, 125 West Onota Street, Munising, MI 49862. Please share memories with the family at www.bowermanfuneralhome.net.