Sterling Leon Slauenwhite Obituary in Dartmouth at Donald K. Walker Funeral Directors

Sterling Leon Slauenwhite

Passed 03/20/2021

Obituary For Sterling Leon Slauenwhite

It is with great sadness that the family of Sterling Slauenwhite, age 75, of Dartmouth, announces his passing on March 20, 2021 in Dartmouth General Hospital after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Born in Sweetland, Lunenburg County, he was the devoted son of the late Reginald and Lena (Vienotte) Slauenwhite. Sterling is survived by his best friend and loving partner of 25 years, Anne McFarlane; adoring daughter, Robyn (Gary) Zwicker; greatly loved granddaughter, Rachael; Anne’s son, Michael McFarlane; and beloved grandchildren, Chloe, Cassidy, and Charlotte. He is also survived by his sister, Thelma Ernst and his brother, Phillip Clinton; his foster sister, Linda Ruth Keeping, and nieces and nephews. Sterling retired in 1995 after working 30 years with the government of Nova Scotia. He began his career as a carpenter and retired as the superintendent of construction. In this role, Sterling had the opportunity to meet many people from all over the province. If you met Sterling, you quickly learned how much he enjoyed talking and sharing stories. He always made the time to listen to your stories and truly appreciated the company of others. Sterling especially loved discussing stories about growing up in Sweetland, as well as his family history. He was passionate about his homestead in Sweetland which was evident by his frequent trips there. Sterling often expressed how grateful he was that his nephew Trevor, would make the trip to the country with him. Trevor helped Sterling with many of the responsibilities that are required to maintain any property. Sweetland was definitely Sterling’s happy place. Sterling got a special sparkle in his eye any time he mentioned his granddaughters. He thoroughly enjoyed watching them participate in their activities; everything from dance performances to basketball games. He would tell anyone how much his granddaughters enriched his life. Over his 75 years, Sterling treasured the many adventures from his yearly summer trips to P.E.I. with his daughter to vacations with Anne to the Magdalen Islands and Cuba. Sterling had many interests. He was a talented cabinet maker who always had multiple jobs on the go. You could count on everything he built with his hands being made to the sturdiest of quality. He would plan his project in his mind before ever putting a pencil to paper. He could cut angles and piece things together like nobody’s business. Sterling was an athlete from a very young age. In high school, he trained and participated in many cross country races as well as track and field running competitions. He is a well decorated athlete and set many new provincial records. Sterling played fastball and was considered a competitive fastball pitcher. He studied his opponents and would use his variety of pitches to strike them out. Up until recently, Sterling bowled in many leagues and over the years, was fortunate to be part of many teams. He met many friends throughout his bowling career. No matter the sport, Sterling was competitive by nature but always the first to congratulate his competitor. He took great interest and followed many other sports such as harness racing, hockey, and baseball. Sterling was an active volunteer in his community. He was a member of the Somme Branch Legion over the years. During this time, he made hundreds of crosses for veteran’s graves. Sterling’s zest for life was evident by his infectious smile and friendly nature. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Sterling will never be forgotten and will remain in everyone’s hearts forever. Cremation has taken place. At Sterling’s request, a family graveside service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. Special thanks to Dr. George Richardson, staff of 4 West, Dartmouth General Hospital, as well as the dedicated team at the cancer clinic in Halifax. Online condolences can be made at www.donaldkwalker.ca

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04/02/2021

Michael Ernst

During Sterling's time at Mahone Bay High School, Sterling and I ran many miles together on the Cross Country and Track teams. I also had the pleasure of travelling with him to numerous track and field meets when we were members of the Chester Sea Side Striders. He was a great competitor, friend and running mate. Thanks Sterling for great memories. My sincerest sympathies to the family. Mike Ernst
03/28/2021

Robert Little

We are very sad to hear about Sterling, our heartfelt sympathies to Anne, family and friends. His beautiful obituary is a great tribute to his life and character. We'll miss Sterling's ever-present friendly smile and his neighbourly chats. Condolences from Bob and Simonne
03/27/2021

Doug Wambolt

Met Sterling and bowled on his team for the Dartmouth Senior Legion Bowling League. We bowled several years together, he was a great guy. So very sorry for your loss.
03/27/2021

Rick Lunn

So sorry to hear of Sterling's passing, He was a great friend and bowler whom I learned a lot from. Will miss seeing him at the alleys. Condolences to Anne and the family, Rick and Kathy Lunn
03/26/2021

Ken Jollymore

Bowled with Sterling off and on, with and against for the last forty-five years. He was truly one of the good guys, always affable, smiling and bubbling over with joie de vivre. I can say I never witnessed his mood waiver whether he had just bowled 80 or 180; he was just fun to be around. Before we had met I was hearing about his exploits in the Church League and was happy when he came to bowl in the City League on Friday nights where he soon made his mark by winning the high average prize in both leagues simultaneously. Despite his prowess he had time for everyone, no matter their abilities far below his own; he would have made a great politician LOL. I bowled a great many tournaments as a team-mate and he was always available to hand out pointers, advice and when required a wall to wail against when you were failing and feeling miserable. His presence has been missed during his battle and will be assuredly missed going forward when the pandemic is over and things become normalized; for his will be one of the first faces and voices searched for when tournaments return to the lanes. God Bless him and sincere condolences to his family and other friends.
03/26/2021

Ted Keddy

Sterling was the Superintendent of the Carpentry Trades Division for the department section I was responsible for. Sterling was highly respected for his work, by the tradesmen he supervised, and our clientele. And he was just a great friend. We never parted company without a chuckle. I know he will be dearly missed.........................................................................................................................- Ted Keddy
03/26/2021

Charley Bowser

Sterling was a true friend to us all. We will miss you friend.
03/26/2021

Jim Lynds

I first met Sterling in the 70's when he bowled with Bro-Moc Print and last spoke to him at Spryfield Lanes in the Men's over 60 Tournament a few years ago.He would greet you with a smile then do his best to beat you,then win or lose he would still be smiling.My condolences to family and his close friends,who were many indeed. Jim Lynds.
03/26/2021

Ed Drake

Sterling gave everyone his most precious gift, his time. He always made my day better. No words can describe how sorry I am for your loss.
03/26/2021

Peter Dukeshire

condolences and sympathies to all of Sterlings family I first met him at trade school in 1964 and later at some cross country runs or just bumped into him always enjoyed seeing him Peter D
03/26/2021

Glen Pitman

So sorry to hear of Sterling's passing he was a wonderful person and Diane and I had some great times with him in our bowling days , may the memories help you through this sad time Ann . God be with you, Diane and Glen.
03/26/2021

frank horne

so sorry to hear of sterlings passing I bowled in the senior league with him he was a true gentleman he will be missed.
03/26/2021

Bonnie McFarlane

Sterling was a kind and loving man. It was as if you had known him for years when you first met him. Anne will miss her best friend and companion of twenty-five years . Our only comfort is that he is without pain and at peace.
03/26/2021

Ross Higgins

I was Sterling's catcher in the day, with Ross A's and MacDonald's, and bowl with him in the church league, he was a competitor and a gentlemen, he will greatly missed.