James Lark, BHS 1945

James Lark, BHS 1945

October 7, 1927 - June 19, 2013

Our beloved father and grandfather, James Lark, OD, passed away peacefully from pneumonia on June 19, 2013 in Laguna Hills, California. He was born October 7, 1927 in Denver, Colorado to Emil Skrivanek and Virginia Schutte Lark. An only child, he moved with his parents to Burbank, California in 1934. He was a graduate of Burbank High School, where he served as student-body president, class of 1945. He studied at Occidental College and Stanford University, and received his Doctor of Optometry degree from
Southern California College of Optometry.

On August 19, 1950, he married Gale Raye Marshall of Burbank. For nearly 45 years they were devoted to each other in marriage until her passing in March 1995. Their union was blessed by four children, Jamie Raye (deceased), Craig Marshall (Debbie), of San Juan Capistrano; Nancy Sue, of Burbank, and Bradley James (Charlotte) of Anaheim Hills.

For more than 45 years he was a skilled, highly professional and popular Optometrist in Burbank. He was active in the Kiwanis Club for over 50 years and served as president twice. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many callings and volunteer assignments throughout his life, notably as Bishop of the Burbank 3rd Ward. He and Gale opened their home to many individuals and groups over the years where he was known for his sharp wit and humorous personality. He loved his wife, children and grandchildren, and devoted his life to them as a proud family patriarch.

He is survived by his children Craig, Nancy and Brad; grandchildren, Stephanie, Katie, Andrew, Taylor, Brittany, Brandon, Alyssa and Callie; and 12.5 great-grandchildren.

A Memorial service is scheduled for Wednesday June 26, 2013 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 136 Sunset Canyon Road, in Burbank, at 11:30 am.

Burbank Leader, June 21, 2013