1928-2020 ~ Sterling Beeston, born January 19, 1928 in Alberta passed away peacefully at home in Ladysmith BC attended by his wife of 62 years Audrey. Sterling will be greatly missed by his children Daryl & Donna, Dave & Julie, Deena, and Derek & Leeann, his grandchildren Dallas, Sean, Ryan, Blair, Larissa, Devon, Sterling, and Ian. He is survived by his little sister Pat Ryan. His loss will be felt by pretty much everyone who ever knew him.
Sterling lived a life of honor, kindness, peace and contentment. A friend to all. Everyone was welcome at his table, he never saw want, only need. He was the one who would be busy plugging up the leak in the pipe while everyone else was arguing about whose fault it was, who should pay for it, and who should get credit for fixing it.
Sterling was a builder. He built a home, a family, a community, and a country. From his time surveying in Alberta to volunteering in Ladysmith he was always creating something that would not exist but for his steady hand. Giving scouts an appreciation of the land that surrounds us, working tirelessly to build an amazing community. He knew that nothing worthwhile happens without the determination, hard-work, and sacrifice of someone willing to get it done.
Sterling was granted lifetime membership in the Kinsmen Club, having been a member in Ladysmith for many years. He cherished the contribution the Kinsmen played in bringing Transfer Beach Park to the town and people of Ladysmith and through his life spent many hours in the park. He and Audrey were involved in Square Dancing travelling across Canada and as far as Alaska to visit other clubs and attend dances.
Sterling had a natural connection to the earth. His love of nurturing and growing. His understanding of the life he created. His appreciation for the bounty the earth gave him. His love for the natural world gave him a sense of serenity and peace.
A celebration of Sterling's life will be held when we are able in the meantime there is not a day that will go by without something that will bring him to mind. The sound of water running cool and clear like that of the fishpond he created in the front yard, the scent of fruit trees blossoming in the spring, a ripe red tomato on a summer's day, sweet juicy pears and crisp apples.
Grief is the last act of love we have to give to those we love.
Where there is deep grief there was great love.