John Healdon Starkey, a respected figure in the mining metallurgy field, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2025, at the age of 88. Born in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, John was the youngest of five children and grew up on a rural homestead. After graduating from the University of Toronto's Mining Engineering program in 1961, he embarked on a career that spanned over six decades marked by dedication, expertise, and innovation.

John's early career saw him work at notable mining operations including Kam Kotia, Kidd Creek, and INCO. John gained wide experience in mines and process plants after 1964 where he worked in Semi-Autogenous Grinding (SAG) mill hardness testing as a pilot plant engineer for Art MacPherson. By 1979, he began consulting at Kilborn (now SNC Lavalin) in Toronto, where he designed several significant process plant projects in Nova Scotia and British Columbia.

In 2000, John founded Starkey & Associates, specializing in ore hardness measurement and grinding circuit design. He became a global leader in SAG mill development, inventing and co-developing the SPI and SAGDesign tests. Both are widely used on 5 continents for the measurement of ore hardness for Autogenous Grinding (AG) and Semi-Autogenous Grinding (SAG) mill designs. His commitment to evidence-based mill design made him a trailblazer in his field.

In 2017, he received the Canadian Institute of Mining's Art MacPherson Award for his outstanding contributions to mineral processing. He was also named a CIM Distinguished Lecturer. He travelled across Canada and internationally to teach AG/SAG grinding mill operation and design. As a mentor, he inspired and educated countless young engineers.

John was deeply devoted to his family. He married Donna (née Sutherland) in 1963, and together they raised three children. His grandchildren brought him immense joy. Known for his humour, generosity, and kindness, John made those around him feel valued.

John was predeceased by his parents, Gladys and Healdon Starkey, and his siblings, Stephanie, Alethea, David, and Charles. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Donna, his children, June (Jean), Ian (Jennifer), and Kirk (Sara), and his grandchildren, Quinn, Sophia, Charlotte, Eliaura, and Ramona.

John enjoyed many passions, including backroad Sunday drives, working underground in the mines, basketball, choral singing, and playing the French horn. His legacy of integrity, innovation, and kindness will continue to inspire all who knew him.

A service of remembrance will be held on January 31, 2025, 12:00pm at Knox Presbyterian Church (89 Dunn St, Oakville ON). To honour John's life, please consider a donation to the charity of your choice.