A tribute to Jack | Taranaki News | Local News in Taranaki

You make a living by what you get, You make a life by what you give'. (Winston Churchill)

These words concluded Jack's funeral notice and seemed appropriate to identify him among his fellow men. One of Eltham's most well-known personalities, Jack Stark, passed away last Wednesday, August 16.

A memorial service was held for Jack in the recently completed Stark's Park... a fitting place as it is not only named after him, but is the exact site of his first shop, which his mother bought in the late 1940s from the Higham sisters.

More than 250 people gathered on Saturday for the memorial to pay their respects. Speakers included Eltham Community Board member Gordon Lawson, Pat Sheehy on behalf of Eltham businesses, Colin Trowbridge and family members Geith Pickford and Helen Pickford-Thompson.

Most people will remember Jack as their local grocer, but his contribution to the community he loved will last forever.

Jack was born in Howick and grew up out east. At Tangarakau Primary School, Jack was awarded top honours by being named dux, but because of the Depression, Jack left school to support his mother and sister.

Jack worked in the coal mines, bush gangs and the Moki Sawmill, which was a six mile walk every day.

During the war, Jack served in the Islands and like many young men, never spoke of his time there.

Jack started his business in 1945, a little grocery dairy (on High Street) bought by his mother for 10 pounds. In 1948, he was joined by David Pickford (his sister Gilca's husband).

In the mid-1960s he bought three shops across the road and began building the biggest and best grocery store in Taranaki. This was the first store of its kind in Central Taranaki.

People would come from across the region to buy his great food at exceptional prices.

He used his grocery business to satisfy his generosity - leaving a box of food on families' doorsteps in times of trouble or need.

In 1998, he was awarded a Queen's Service Medal for his community service and continued generosity to the town he loved.

Unfortunately, changing times, vandalism and shoplifting helped contribute to Jack selling his grocery store in 2001. However, on the day of its closure, more than 200 residents and business people organised a farewell morning tea as a tribute to his commitment to the town.

As well as a grocer, Jack was a keen rugby player and supporter. During the late 1950s, Jack would be seen changing into his rugby kit at the shop, running to Taumata Park, playing a game, then running back to work, showering and then staying until closing.

Jack was also adept with his hands and his shovel - laying much of the concrete around the town. He loved concrete and his concreting skills will also remain legendary. Jack also owned many racehorses and this part of his life was an exciting one. Sometimes he would have wins, sometimes losses, but it was said he always seemed to find pleasure around them.

Jack was an important part of building the Eltham community and will be deeply missed.