Ethan Stark Barborka, aged 44, passed from this life on Friday January 20, 2006. He died peacefully, in the arms of his loving wife, after a long and valiant battle with prostate cancer.

Ethan was born and raised in Lake Forest, Illinois on January 21, 1961 where he attended high school. He was awarded a bachelors of Science degree in 1984, from Brigham Young University in Provo Utah, attaining a double major in Information Management and Business Management, with an emphasis in marketing. He furthered his education there, earning a Masters of Business Administration, with honors. Professionally, Ethan served as Vice President of Global Sales and Service at Tahitian Noni International, Inc., a company he loved and felt very passionately about. And in return he was greatly loved and respected by his “work family” for his professional competence, integrity and genuine love and concern for his co-workers’ well being. Music was an important part of Ethan’s life as a song writer, guitarist, and vocalist. He established, wrote and played for “The SurfNiks” an instrumental musical group that performed their trademark surf music throughout the state, recording professionally in 1997. Baseball was also a passion during his life as a young boy and later throughout his teenage years. Though scouted professionally, while still in high school, he choose what he referred to as a more “odds in my favor” career in business. Ethan was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where his favorite calling was teaching Sunday School to the Priests.

On May 14, 2003 he married his sweetheart and the love of his life, Sharon Medigovich-Johnson, in Oakhurst California. They were sealed for time and eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple on January 13, 2006 during a beautiful, bittersweet and tender ceremony. He was a devoted and loyal man who showed an ardent love and concern for his family’s welfare.

Ethan is survived by his wife, Sharon, his sons Jourdan and Zachary; his brother Drake and his wife, Etel; his brother Adam and his wife, Charlotte; his sister-in-law Elaine Soldani and her husband, Joseph; his brother-in-law Gary Medigovich and his wife, Charlotte; his father William Barborka and his wife, Emma; his mother Nona Terniden and her husband, Earl. He is further survived by his many nieces and nephews whom he adored. Preceding him in death was his father-in-law, Steve Mitar Medigovich.

In lieu of flowers, it was Ethan’s desire that donations be made to the Lindon 17th Ward mission fund, C/O Bishop Dave Mitton, 45 Teton Drive, Lindon Utah 84042. Remembrances may be sent to Sharon Barborka at 1395 E. Canberra Drive, Lindon Utah 84042.

We wish to express our deepest gratitude for the loving and compassionate care provided to Ethan and his family by the wonderful people of The Huntsman Cancer Institute, CareSource Hospice, Dr. Saunders, Linda, and their wonderful staff and Johns Hopkins Medical Center. Additionally, the family wishes to acknowledge the outpouring of love, support and service offered by family, friends, neighbors and ward members. We are deeply grateful for the thoughtfulness and kindness showed to us during this time.

It was Ethan’s desire to send an enthusiastic message to all men age 30 and over. In his words, “Make friends with your Urologist and please go get your darn PSA checked!” His kind and sweet heart, great sense of humor and larger-than-life presence, will be profoundly missed by those that love him.

(Published in the Daily Herald on 1/24/2006)