Whidden, Sterling Norman, 80, Greenfield, Colchester County, passed away on June 26, 2009 at the Colchester Regional Hospital, Truro, N.S. Born in Truro he was the son of the late Fred and Izelda (Bartlett) Whidden. Sterling was well loved by his family and friends from various walks of life. He was a gentle person with a remarkable affection for people. He was known for his easy going manner, wonderful sense of humour and giving spirit. Sterling was an exceptional human being and was the recipient of the Canada 125 Commemorative Medal. This award is presented to persons who have made a significant contribution to Canada, their community and fellow Canadians. He and his wife Eleanor developed the Greenfield Crest Ayrshire Farm which they operated for over fifty years with their son Fred. Sterling had an active career in agriculture winning many awards with his Greenfield Crest Ayrshire herd both nationally and provincially, judging in every province except one. He had shown his cattle at all Maritime shows and the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto. He was a strong supporter of the 4H program, donating trophies and judging at local and provincial club events. Sterling was well known for having judged agriculture shows provincially and across Canada. He was a special guest of the Scottish Ayrshire Association at the Royal Show in Edinburgh, Scotland. Sterling was past president of the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition and served on the management board for many years. He held past positions as chairman of the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition Commission, president of the Nova Scotia Ayrshire Club, director of the Ayrshire Breeders of Canada, vice-president of Baxter’s Dairy Producers and manager of the Nova Scotia Animal Breeders. Sterling was a past member of the Nova Scotia Rifle Association winning many awards and he also taught cadets proper use of firearms. He owned and operated the first local school bus which he and wife Eleanor continued to operate for over 30 years. Over the years he hosted many fundraiser events on the family farm in Greenfield. Sterling was a member of the Agricultural Hall of Fame, recipient of the Award of Merit from the Tucker AJ unit, and recipient of the Appreciation Award for service and dedication to the Nova Scotia Livestock Industry from the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and Marketing. In later years he derived great pleasure and comradeship from his involvement with various choirs and the First United Church activities. He was a member of the John Fisher Choir, the First United Church Men’s Choir and the Barbershop Quartet. In recent months, during Sterling’s courageous battle with cancer, he was consistently surrounded by those who loved him dearly and he was always cheered by frequent visits of support by George and Leland. Sterling leaves this world a better place and will be sadly missed by his family and many friends. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Eleanor (Davison); daughter, Nancy Strong; son, Fred; sister, Joan Hoare. He was predeceased by his daughter, Marlene; brother Wallace and another brother in infancy; son-in-law Bob Strong. A celebration of his life will be held Friday, July 3rd at 2 p.m. in First United Church, 711 Prince St., Truro with Leland MacLean, DLM officiating. Interment in Greenfield Cemetery. In honour of Sterling’s life, and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Church and the John Fisher Choir-(%Henry Fisher, 3639 Hwy 289, RR #3, Brookfield, N.S., B0N 1C0) or to the VON – Truro Branch. Arrangements have been entrusted to Colchester Community Funeral Home, 512 Willow St., Truro, N.S. On-line condolences may be made to: www.colchestercommunity.com