Family mourns the tragic loss of their young son

Intermountain Catholic

+ Enlarge

Michael Starks dies tragically of alcohol poisoning. He was 18 years old. Photo courtesy of Starks family

SALT LAKE CITY — Michael Anthony Smallwood Starks, 18, died Nov. 21, of alcohol poisoning.

Starks was born June 12, 1990, to George and Jane Starks.

There is a vast hole in our hearts that can be matched in size only by the infinite amount of love Michael gave each of us during his lifetime. Just as easily as he loved, he was loved in return, for no one could resist his compassion, sensitivity, and faith in humanity.

His kindness and love shined while serving as a waiter to residents of Friendship Manor Retirement Home where he worked for three years. His kindness and love shined while volunteering to serve the homeless through the Cathedral of the Madeleine’s Good Samaritan Program. His kindness and love shined in each of the innumerable ways he connected with family, friends, and strangers every day of the 18 years the world was lucky enough to have him.

Michael had a remarkable dedication to his family. He admired and loved his father George beyond words. The two spent many hours playing chess and watching old movies together, "the classics!" He was the joy of his mother’s life, being home for dinner nearly every night and saying, "I love you" every chance he had.

As a little boy, Michael dutifully fulfilled his role as baby of the family, letting his sisters Megan and Mary dress him up as if he was a doll, and instigating more cheek pinching that one could imagine. As he got older, his brother Jason taught him the virtues of restoring old cars; namely, the Volkswagen Bug of which Michael was so proud. He loved visiting his older sister Kelly in Arizona, where he entertained his nieces and nephews with his endless shenanigans and quick laughter.

Over the summer, Michael spent two weeks in Australia with his brother Georgie, participating in World Youth Day and making his first big trip outside of the states. Just three months ago, he began his freshman year of college at Utah State University, quickly engaging himself in his classes and new friends. He simply loved it and looked forward to his future as a fireman.

We stay strong because we know Michael could not bear to see anyone sad. His legacy of service and love has been passed on to all of us courageously willing to take care of each other, all in this beautiful world together.

He is survived by his parents George and Jane Starks; siblings Kelly (David), George, Jason (Shayneh), Megan (Ryan), Mary; grandparents Virgil and Betty Michaels; and many nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends.

A Vigil service was held Nov. 24, at The Cathedral of the Madeleine, where friends were invited to pay their respects following the vigil service. A funeral Mass was celebrated on Nov. 25, also at The Cathedral of the Madeleine. Interment was in Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery. His funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of his family.