Clyde "Rodney" Stark - 76, of Freeport, Digby Co., passed away peacefully on April 5, 2023, at Yarmouth Regional Hospital, surrounded by the people who loved him the most. Born January 13, 1947, in Digby, his family moved to his beloved Island two years later.

Rodney lived a full and remarkable life. He worked as an engineer on Irving tugboats and was one of the first paramedics in Nova Scotia. Later, he worked as an engineer and maintenance person for Connor Bros., Small Bros., and D.B. Kenney. He was a skilled artist known for his seascapes, capturing the beauty of the sea he loved. Rodney was also a passionate historian and started a history blog in the last few years, sharing over 150 articles about the rich history of the Islands. He was proud of the work that he and Leta did transcribing an over 100 year old shipwreck ledger that was published and used as a fundraiser for the Islands Historical Society. He was also the proud proprietor of the "You need it, we got it" store, with a garage full of useful and strange Frenchy's treasures that he was always happy to share with anyone who visited. Rodney loved old cars, and he and Leta enjoyed participating in car shows all over the province with their car club friends.

Rodney was a loving husband to Leta Stark, and a devoted father to his three daughters, Carlene, Monica, and Amanda, and loving brother to Pat Crocker. He was a proud grandfather to his eight grandchildren, Megan Stark, Sydney Melanson, Claudia, Phoebe, Bryce, and Rhys Crocker, Reilly and Maya Gillis; four great-grandchildren, Cadence and Liam Stark, Lylah Clayton, and Leta Gillis, all of whom brought him immense joy and pride. He was predeceased by his father Clyde Stark, his mother Viola (Patterson), his sister Bonny Titus, his brother, Greg, and half-sister Phyllis Hill.

Rodney will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. His kind and generous spirit, his unwavering integrity, and his love of life and learning will be remembered by all who knew him.

Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 11, 2023, in Freeport Baptist Church where a funeral service will be held 2p.m. Wednesday, April 12, 2023, with Rev. Rick Small officiating. A burial will follow in Brookside Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main St., toll free: 1-855-825-3448. Donations in Rodney's memory may be made to the We Are Young Association, Halifax. weareyoung.ca The online guestbook may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com