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The family of Donald W. Stake uploaded a photo
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
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The family of Donald W. Stake uploaded a photo
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
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The family of Donald W. Stake uploaded a photo
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
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Cheryl McGivern posted a condolence
Friday, April 22, 2016
When we are blessed with a beautiful light that shines into our soul, it can never be dimmed. It radiates from our depth of human consciousness for as many days as our body walks the earth. Thank you Don for shining your light my way during our Hospice outreach seminars. It was a moment of blessings I always looked forward to sharing with you.
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Tiffany Gibb posted a condolence
Saturday, February 27, 2016
I worked with Don at Community Hospice. I have been thinking all week of what I would like to say, I simply don't have a more eloquent way to say it. He was truly one of the best people on this earth. it was a privilege to have know him and called him a friend. I moved from the Albany area and lost touch with Don, but I thought about him often. Whenever we are visiting the Magic Kingdom I scan the crowds hoping to see my old friend. MaryJane and family, my deepest condolences
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Rev. Dan J. Wheeler posted a condolence
Thursday, February 25, 2016
Don Stake was an extraordinary man to be sure but beyond that he was a follower of Christ. He was a scholar and a teacher not just by what he said and taught but by how he lived out each day. When I came into our Presbytery, Dr. Carlyle Adams was the Stated Clerk of the Presbytery and was just stepping down. Don was stepping up to that most demanding and difficult work, along with being the pastor at Union Presbyterian Church. In those days the denomination was being ripped apart by ecclesiastical wars. Don was not intimidated, but was a steady presence; always trying to help clarify the issues and striving to help us all maintain decency and order to the glory of our Lord. Don was a pastor and a preacher. He loved his people and was constantly seeking ways to help the brothers and sisters in Christ in the Church, be it local or nationwide, to worship God in the name of Christ. That we really worship God, and not just go through the motions was a huge issue for Don; to the extent that he joined with others on the denominational level to write books and teach in our Seminaries to help others learn to worship God. Some may have thought he was a traditionalist – you know, “We’ve always done it this way or that”, but nothing could be further from the truth. His goal was to really worship God. Worship for him was not about entertaining people to try to get them into cold pews with their warm bodies, but rather to help them understand their relationship with God and then, as Christ Jesus demonstrated, live out that relationship with the whole world. Truly, all who knew, worked, laughed, and cried with Don were well blessed by God just to know him. Especially for me, it was a privilege for me to know him and to be his friend. Let us celebrate Don’s life in our midst by our words, our deeds, and our worship in the name of Christ. Mary Jane, the arms and hearts of all are around you and your family, and we are flooding heaven with prayers for you all.
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Sam Kieffer posted a condolence
Thursday, February 25, 2016
Dear Mary Jane and the entire family, It was with great sadness that I heard about Don's passing. He and I shared an intense and close relationship that began professionally but evolved into a personal one as well. From 1981-1992 I was the Rabbi at Agudat Achim and his church and my synagogue had a meaningful annual exchange. He and I looked forward to these programs which enabled us to spend wonderful hours together brainstorming and sharing of topics, beliefs, frustrations, and inspiration. I truly treasure the relationship that we formed, the shared sense of mission to do God's work on Earth, and the daily challenges we faced. Of course, it wasn't all serious--we were able to share some good laughs as well. From Schenectady we moved to Weston,Florida to start up a new synagogue where we remained for 20 years, and three years ago my wife and I fulfilled a lifelong dream of ours to move to Israel, something Don and I had spoken about many times. I send you love from Jerusalem. It was an honor and privilege to know Don and to be in his presence. Like you I will miss him a lot, but I am absolutely convinced that he is now with the Angels. Peace and love, (Rabbi) Sam Kieffer
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Jerry and Carolyn Crawmer posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Mary Jane and Family, It is with sorrow that we learned of Don's death. We go back many years with Don serving as our pastor at Union Presbyterian Church.Don made home visits to encourage our membership at UPC. After becoming members of UPC, Don shared some fun/happy moments with us. After a move, out of the state, and then returning to the Schenectady area, Don was instrumental in us rejoining the congregation at UPC. We both became quite active and appreciative of Don's theological views. We send our thoughts and prayers to Don's family. In Christian Love, Jerry and Carolyn Crawmer
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Ron Watson posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
to MaryJane and Don's family, Don was an extraordinary man who led a very well-lived life! He served and cared for God, his Community,his Congregation, the dying , the imprisoned, and all he contacted!He embraced and Celebrated the value and beauty of each individual ! To have been associated with Don for 5 years at Hospice was a true Blessing for me! Always my spirit was uplifted after talking to Don! His humor- the cartoons, his unending stories, positive outlook,and intelligent approach to life issues were among his contributions to me!, MaryJane and family, my deepest condolences! May you find strength from your family and friends and may you find Peace that comes from the Belief tthat Don has been Blessed with Eternal Life! Ron Watson
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Mary Ellen Giroux posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Amy, Kelsey, and Skyler-- Please accept my sympathy and prayers at the loss of your father and grandfather. Mary Ellen Giroux
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Cheryl Machold posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
Sending sympathy to the family. I remember Rev Stake as a kind and gentle man who always had a smile for me when I was at his house playing with his oldest daughter, Jenn. He also gave the commencement speech at our high school graduation and inspired a lot of people that day. He will be missed and remembered.
