After a courageous battle with cancer, Sterling passed away, age 60, in Ottawa on October 19th, 2009, with his family at his side. He was the son of the late Samuel and Janet (Welcher) Starkes, and grew up in Musgravetown. Sterling treasured 36 years of marriage with his beloved wife Sharon (Hancock) Starkes. A devoted husband and father, Sterling raised his family in Gander. Cherished father to Janet Starkes Fowler (David) and Trevor Sterling Starkes (Jill); proud grandfather to Lauryn and Kate Fowler and Ellis Sterling Starkes, all living in Ottawa. Dear brother of Anne Hancock, Dulcie (Merl) Feltham, Kathy (Geoff) Muggridge, all living in Newfoundland, and Wayne (Rosalynn) Starkes of Calgary. He was predeceased by his sisters Effie Dafoe, Lizzie Starkes, Phyllis Philpott and Betty Wiseman (survived by Bill). Sterling will be sadly missed by his many nieces, nephews, family and friends. He retired to the Ottawa area in 1998, where he enjoyed golfing and spending time with his grandchildren. Funeral services were held Friday, October 23 at the Blair & Son Funeral Home, Perth, ON. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated. Online condolences can be sent to the family at blairandson.com