Finlay (Fin) Sterling
Born: 1940
Died: 22 August 2024
Passed away peacefully in his sleep at San Pen Palliative Care with family by his side.
Fin came to Pender in 1959 as an eighteen year old cadet from HMCS Venture Officer Training in Esquimalt with a compass and a bedroll, looking for a piece of land for his father (also Finlay) who was looking for a little quiet after coming back from the War years earlier. He found the perfect spot, and his father found the beauty and calm he was looking for.
After a career in the NAVY “flying planes off of boats” as he liked to say (including HMCS Bonaventure, HMCS Shearwater, USS Intrepid, and the USS Essex) Fin had a long career at Air Canada, culminating in rising to Chief Pilot of the 747-400. Upon retirement, like his father before him, Fin and his son built his dream retirement home on that very same land that he had picked out for his father as an eighteen year old, and he retired to it with his wife Donna (who predeceased him in January of this same year) and family, including cherished visits from his grandkids.
Having travelled the world several times over, Fin had little interest doing so anymore, and was content to sit on his deck and watch the “backyard traffic” as he called it, go by day after day in the Pacific. He also enjoyed his Friday “Truck Checker Group” at the Firehall, and was grateful for their camaraderie and letting him be one of the “gang”.
Fin wished to thank everyone at Pender Fire and Rescue, First Responders, BC Ambulance, the entire team at the Pender Island Medical Clinic, and all the fine folks at the Pender Island Pharmacy, who all took the lead in helping him with his recent health related ‘challenges’. Your care and professionalism did not go unnoticed, and was very much appreciated.
Not being one for any attention or shine, in lieu of condolences or flowers, Fin has requested donations can be made is his beloved wife’s name at Victoria Hospice if desired. Rest easy pops .. and “keep the blue side up”.
Retford Sterling (and family)
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