D.E. Sterling MacVicar
D.E. Sterling MacVicar of Benson Drive, Sydney, passed peacefully, with family by his side on Monday, March 12, 2012, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Sterling was born in Sydney on April 16, 1941, the son of the late Sterling and Jennie (Pyne) MacVicar.
Sterling was an active member of the United Protestant Church of Sydney River, from its conception, where he served many roles and on many committees. He was a Sunday School superintendent, chair of the board of stewards, and former president and member of the Men’s Brotherhood for over 30 years.
Sterling was a supporter of many charities and very involved with his community, where he served as chairman of the United Way.
Sterling’s personal courage and unwavering faith were an inspiration to all who knew him. He always looked at the positive side of every situation, was optimistic and very up beat. Sterling genuinely loved people, was extremely friendly and had a contagious smile.
At the age of 17, Sterling began working at Spinner’s Men’s Wear and eventually became owner. Sterling often said “If you love your job, you never have to go to work!” He sure loved his job and the people he served.
For over 20 years, Sterling was involved with the Cape Breton Highlanders, retiring with the rank of sergeant major.
Sterling was very athletic and he enjoyed many sports, including tennis, pedal and motorcycling, instilling his love of motorbikes in “his boys.” He was an avid card player and looked forward to his nightly tarabish games.
Surviving are his wife, Betty; sons, Stephen (Juanita), Scott (Sonia) and Paul (Sheila), all of Sydney; stepdaughter, Rebecca (Chris) Barron, Ontario; sisters, Christina (Joey) Harriet, Sydney, and Paula (Richard) Rosen, Ontario; grandchildren, Jonathon, Melissa, Kyle, Shane, Samantha, Brenden, Sabrina, Mallory, Avery and Lily; and several nieces and nephews.
Sterling was predeceased by his brother, Owen, in infancy.
There will be no visitation. A memorial service will be held at the United Protestant Church of Sydney River on Saturday, 11 a.m., with Rev. Dana Feltmate officiating. Following the service, a reception will take place in the church hall.
Memorials may be made to the palliative care unit at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital or the United Protestant Church of Sydney River.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca or email sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca.
