Bert Miles Stark

Lansing/Cortland

Bert “Dick” Miles Stark, formerly of Lansing and Cortland, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2013 at the Oxford Veterans Home, Oxford, NY, at the age of 78.

Born March 1, 1935 in North Lansing, Dick was the son of the late James Richard Stark and Irene Winifred Brown. Dick proudly served his country with the US Air Force for 4 years in the 810th Air Division. He was employed with the Cortland County Sheriff’s Department for 13 years, Hayes Ambulance in Cortland, and later Big Sun Auto Auction in Ocala, FL. Dick was most happy on the open road, trucking across the United States, and bringing home stories to his family and friends. He was a hard worker, was involved in various bowling/softball leagues and spent most of his off time under a hood, turnin’ wrenches. Dick’s love for mechanics was shown in his true passion for Stock Car racing. He spent years, making a name for himself at Skyline Raceway, as “The Flying Sheriff”, a name that continues to be known to this day. With his quick wit, and a joke up his sleeve, all it took was Dick’s famous half grin to raise the spirits in any room.

In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by a son, Patrick Stark and a brother, John “Jack” Stark.

He is survived by his children, Allyn Stark, Martin Stark (Jordan Rogers), Brandon Stark (Melissa), Michael Stark, (Teena), Michelle Stark, Bert “Dickie” Stark (Shelley), Allan “Bub” Timmons, Daryl Timmons (Sherry), Steve Timmons (Lynn), and Starr Rossi ; 23 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; sister, Minnie Randall; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Dick always took pride in everything he did, whether it was the shine of his car, the quality of his work or the comb of hair. He loved his children, was a mentor, a teacher and has influenced so many lives. His travels can only be summed up with a line from one of his favorite singers Johnny Cash: “He asked me if I’d seen a road with so much dust and sand, and I said, “ Listen, I’ve traveled every road in this here land!”

In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be directed to the NYS Veterans Home - Oxford, Residents Fund, 4207 NY Route 220, Oxford, NY 13830.

Family will be present to receive friends from 11am-1pm, Saturday, November 16th, at Lansing Funeral Home, 32 Auburn Rd., Lansing, NY, followed by a private memorial service.