- Winnipeg Free Press Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
STERLING JAMES MCLEOD
Born: Jun 29, 1928
Date of Passing: Oct 12, 2017
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemorySTERLING JAMES MCLEOD It is with great sadness that we mourn the peaceful passing of Sterling James McLeod, aged 89, on October 12, 2017 in Winnipeg. Sterling was born in Montreal, Quebec on June 29, 1928. He had a humble but happy upbringing in Point St. Charles with his father Raymond and mother Gladys. Sterling was the second born of five children; his siblings were Raymond, Carmen, Norman and Myrtle. Sterling and Grace met through a church group and were married on September 19, 1953. They lived in Quebec with their growing family of four children, and then moved to Winnipeg in 1976. Winnipeg has been their home for the last 41 years, where they built a wonderful life with amazing memories. Sarasota became a favourite winter escape and second home for both Sterling and Grace. Sterling was an avid golfer and long-time member at St. Charles Golf and Country Club in Winnipeg and at Palm Aire Golf and Country Club in Sarasota. Sterling was a recognized businessman and leader who took great pride in his 28 years of work at Investors Group. He began his successful career with Investors as a sales representative and retired as Executive Vice President in 1993. "Investors has never been a job for me; it's been more than a career, it's been more like a way of life." "Retired" meant consulting with Investors and continuing work on multiple boards for another decade. The respect Sterling earned in the work place was due to his integrity, leadership, dedication and hard work. He was an admired mentor for all who had the opportunity to work with him. Despite his many accomplishments, he was most proud and passionate about his family. He was a role model for his children to learn from; a source of wisdom and calm when they were in need. He was a magician, an entertainer and larger than life for his grandchildren. He was the pillar of our family's strength and the love of our lives. Sterling is terribly missed by his loving wife of 64 years, Grace. Also heartbroken are his children and their spouses: Heather and Terry, Scott and Diane, Barry and Sherry and Debbie and Jay; his wonderful seven grandchildren, Jason, Alan, Megan, Jenny, Tristan, Riley and Jessie, and three great-grandchildren, Cameron, Olivia and Hugh Sterling. Sterling's only remaining sibling, his sister Myrtle also grieves the loss of her big brother. A memorial service will be held at Westwood Presbyterian Church, 197 Browning Blvd., Winnipeg at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 19. A reception will follow at St. Charles Golf and Country Club, 100 Country Club Blvd., Winnipeg Memorial donations may be made to The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba or to The United Way of Winnipeg.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 17, 2017
Condolences & Memories (9 entries)
-
He was Doug's oldest friend. They go back to Point Saint Charles and all those sports teams. I knew him very recently as a gracious host. So sorry to think of him gone. Condolences to Grace and her family. - Posted by: Doug Timney and Paula Chegwidden (friends) on: Oct 24, 2017
-
I was very saddened to hear of Sterling's passing. He had a profound impact on my IG career which I am still enjoying, now into my 34th year. Sterling had this way of inspiring you with no need to grandstand or get on any soapbox. He just knew the right thing to say to me. I can recall being with him on an elevator when I was in my first year as a Region Manager. We chatted briefly and just before I exited, he said to me, "Make it happen, Perry". With that I committed myself to do just that. Another time, 1992 I think, I was able to sit beside him on the bus ride to an IG golf outing outside of Ottawa. I had Sterling all to myself for the 30 minutes ride. Sweet. Then, much to my delight, I sat beside Sterling on the ride BACK from the golf course to the Chateau Laurier Hotel. I could not believe my luck. Like so many others, I will NEVER forget Sterling McLeod. It was very easy to admire and respect the man. He carried himself with such dignity and class. His IG legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of those who were so blessed to have had the opportunity to get to know him. My most heartfelt condolences go out to Grace and the entire McLeod family ~ you all now have an angel on your shoulder. Very sincerely yours, Perry Catena - Posted by: Perry Catena (Investors Group) on: Oct 20, 2017
-
Grace, deepest sympathy for your loss. I so enjoyed the company of you and Sterling during our Snowbird years at Palm Aire. - Posted by: Bob Gulliford (Friend) on: Oct 19, 2017
-
Sincere sympathy to Sterling's family. He was a wonderful leader at Investors. Always a smile on his face, a positive outlook and made time for everyone. - Posted by: Eileen Kirton (former colleague) on: Oct 18, 2017
-
My condolences to Grace and the family. Sterling was a wonderful man who helped my career path with IG in so many ways. I always viewed him as the epitome of a gentleman and will always think of him with both fondness and respect. - Posted by: Michael Craig (Former Co-Worker ) on: Oct 17, 2017
-
Cathy and I met Stirling and Grace within a few months of joining IG while attending a function at Chateau Montebello QC. We quickly understood we were in the company of very special people. Both were genuinely interested and became role models to so many of us. Sterling was a leader with high expectations and disappointing him was never an option. Sharing his wisdom and passion for helping others came easily to him and he lived by the saying that "nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care". Rest in Peace Friend. - Posted by: Brice Belyea (Colleague at Investors) on: Oct 17, 2017
-
My deepest sympathy to Grace and family members for the passing of their beloved husband, father and grandfather. Stirling was my first contact with IG's executive management. That was 43 years ago as a young recruit attending training classes in Montreal. The man immediately made a strong impression as a person of substance, strong character with integrity. In all the years of working with and for Stirling there was never any sense of regret. He was truly a mentor that one could always count on and you never had to question his motives. Stirling sincerely cared for all those who worked for him from coast to coast. It was an honor and a privilege to have known him . Rest in peace my friend. - Posted by: Ron Hatcher (colleague) on: Oct 17, 2017
-
Scott and family, I am so very sorry to hear that your father has passed. My thoughts are with you at this sad time. Karen Murphy - Posted by: Karen Murphy (Colleague) on: Oct 17, 2017
-
I had the privilege of working with Sterling at Investors Group. He was a man of integrity and I learned so much working with and for him. He had a wonderful sense of humor and shared that with all of us. I mourn his passing but cherish the memories I have of him. My deepest sympathies to Grace and his family on their loss. - Posted by: Ginny Thiessen (Former co-worker) on: Oct 17, 2017