Feature Interview with Richard Gark: As told to Maureen McRae, 2015
The interview with Richard Gark took place at his home in Jordan Station located in the beautiful Niagara Peninsula’s green belt. Sitting down with Richard at his kitchen table we began talking about his life… his story. Richard portrays himself as an uncomplicated person who has been incredibly fortunate despite life’s setbacks and not necessarily financially fortunate but more about what life has given him. “Having a good life is part of what prompted me to consider an endowment fund” said Richard. I believe that you are enriched by getting involved in your community and giving back is and has always been an important part of my life.
Let me start my story by telling you a little bit about my upbringing and my family. My parents were born and raised in Canada but came from different backgrounds. My mother was of Scottish heritage and my Dad was Pennsylvania Dutch. They both worked to support our family which included my brother, sister and me, the youngest. Mother was a registered nurse and Dad worked hard as a mid-line manager. My summers where spent on my uncles farms where I learned what “hard work” meant and how to pay my way including saving for my University education. I have good memories of my childhood and it was fun growing up in Sarnia, Ontario. In those days I had the best you could have in life, a big red toy truck and a bicycle. Life was simple and good. I recall my father telling me whenever I needed to step up and take responsibility “Richard this is not a rehearsal… this is it. You only get one chance to live your life”.
As time passed my brother went on to a career in the air force and my sister chose to become a registered nurse. I was the scoundrel that became a Banker. My professional life led me to the Peninsula 40 years ago and I have actually lived in Jordan Station, in this house for 39 of those years. My career started in Sarnia, moved on to Owen Sound and then Timmins. I was about 27 when I was transferred with the Bank from Timmins to the Niagara Region. I met my wife, Cathy Stasiw, while working for the Bank in St Catharines and we married in 1975. I worked with the Bank at various locations in Niagara and Hamilton until I retired in 2005. To keep myself active, I still work occasionally in the greenhouse industry in the spring and continue to give of my time as a volunteer.Cathy was my wife for 35 years until she passed away in 2010. I consider myself a very fortunate person to have had such a good marriage. Even though Cathy was a very quiet person and I the opposite, we had a lot in common and worked hard for what we had. We both saw the benefit of helping others and we were of like mind in regards to volunteering and giving back to our Community.
When I look back over the course of my career in banking and my volunteer work it is very clear to me that there is a gap in society where financial support is needed. Currently I am a member of the Niagara Community Foundation Grants Committee and I continue to see where this is true for our community. Even before serving on the Grants Committee and before I thought about a legacy fund I was aware of the benefits that can come from giving” just a bit “of money.
In that respect, when my wife Cathy passed away, I decided I wanted to do something to honor her memory. So I established the Gark Family Endowment Fund to support innovative projects for youth in Niagara. I hoped this would set an example and inspire our friends and family members to do the same.
After establishing our endowment fund, I realized it wasn’t enough and I wanted to do more to foster the well-being of youth in Niagara. Based on that realization, I decided to bequeath part of my estate to the Niagara Community Foundation, trusting them to carry out my wishes in this regard.
When I reflect upon my life and consider what I would like to leave to my family that is meaningful to me, these words came to mind: “Giving is a good thing to do”. Giving of yourself, your time and your financial support throughout your life is rewarding in so many different ways. If these words motivate my family to take action and I have demonstrated the benefit of these words, then I have accomplished what I wanted to do. I leave these words in legacy not only to my son and granddaughter, but to all those who know me.
It is immaterial to me how people give of their time or direct their funds as long as it makes a positive difference. I think that if more of us gave just “a little bit” we would all be better off.
“How would I like to be remembered?” is a good question. Considering the people who have touched my life, I think I would like them to remember me as the type of person I am, a pretty fun loving guy with an odd sense of humour. But more simply, I would like to be remembered as a decent person.
I hope that at the “end of the day” my son is a little better human being because of who I am. I hope that my granddaughter will be a better person because of who her father is. Remembered by what they become in the future, I think, that is what I would truly wish for.
I don’t want to be famous. I don’t want to set the world on fire, I just want to singe it a bit.… Richard Gark
Update: Richard Gark passed away October 22, 2023. NCF staff and volunteers send their deepest condolences to the family.
