Brian David Sarka

Brian was born in Michigan 6/23/1965 and was raised all over the world. As a kid he spent time in the Philippines, North Carolina, Germany, France, England, Washington, and of course Michigan. He joined the USAF after high school and later the Utah ANG where he met his wife Joyetta “Joye” Litster. They married on November 14, 1987 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Brian completed a computer science degree and became an analyst, IT trainer and instructor. He had many hobbies including but not limited to amateur radio, art, photography, writing, and music. He was always reading and learning and that was a gift that each of his children were given and each relish in their own unique and beautiful way.

Brian and Joye raised three amazing children together while living in various places around the United States including Ypsilanti, Marquette, Midland and Mt Pleasant Michigan; Bountiful, Utah; Seward and Anchorage, Alaska and finally the Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington area. Experiences from these places have added value and color to our lives as a result of Brian’s inspired aspirations for adventure. We have been blessed.

Brian worked as an IT instructor and certified trainer most recently for Providence Health Systems and in Alaska at the Alaska Vocational Technical Education Center in Seward, Alaska. Teaching was a passion of his and it showed in the way he impacted his students.

He is survived by his wife Joyetta of 32 years, sons Christopher James Robert (Elizabeth) and Aaron Edward (Sarah) Sarka and daughter Anna Villet Sarka. His parents Robert and Sheral (Green) Sarka in Oscoda, Michigan. Brother Scott (Amy) Sarka of Ionia, Michigan. Sister, Cynthia (Patrick) Green in Meade, Kansas, and several nieces and nephews, grand nephews and nieces, uncles, aunts, cousins, in-laws, and amazing multi-cultural and diverse friends.

A informal celebration of life will be held in his honor in Vancouver WA on December 7, 2019 from 1-4pm at Salmon Creek Regional Park at Creekside Pavilion. Family and friends are welcome and contributions to a chili cookout would be appreciated. Some parking passes will be prepaid to the park-see a family member if needed. There is a $3 parking entrance fee to the park.

A separate personal event at a later date will be held closer to Michigan.

Brian has selflessly donated his remains to research through Anatomy Gifts Registry to expand our knowledge of cancer and medical research.

Contributions in Brian’s honor can be given to Cancer research at OHSU Foundation 503-228-1730 https://www.onward- ohsu.org/tribute-gifts or The Providence Cancer Center in Portland, Oregon http://finishcancer- .org/oregon/ Both of these organizations along with Compass Oncology in Vancouver were instrumental in providing quality of life in Brian’s last few months.