George David (Dave) Sterling

On Saturday, November 8th, 2025, David (Dave) Sterling, full of life and deeply loved, suddenly passed away peacefully in his sleep.  He now rests with his parents, Mary and George, his brother-in-law, Calvin and the many pups he loved through the years – Flossy, Kelly, Doré, Max, Café, Tess, and Dexter.  Dave leaves behind a family who adored him.  He is cherished by his sister, Annette, and by his three children, Christine (Pierre), Michèle, and Andrew (Natalie), who will forever carry in their hearts his kindness, humour, and strength.  He was a devoted and proud grandfather to Jenna, Émilie, Pierre-Olivier (Julia), Marie-Ève (Romeo), Audrée-Anne, Kaliane, and Brièle, each of whom brought him immense joy.  He also leaves his partner of 20 years, Norma, who shared his days with love and companionship.  Dave’s memory will live on in the hearts of his nieces and nephews: Lucy, Michael, Catherine, David and Andrew, their partners and their children from Ireland, as well as all those who were fortunate enough to know him.  He also leaves behind his beloved dog, King, who misses him every day.

Dave grew up in Northern Ireland, where he developed the adventurous spirit that shaped his entire life.  He loved sharing stories of his youth, travelling through Ireland, hitchhiking or biking across Europe in his early years, and developing many friendships and experiences that came with those journeys.  After attending university in Belfast, he emigrated to Canada in 1965 on a transatlantic boat, arriving in Montreal, where he fell in love with Canadian culture.  He was welcomed with open arms by the Adam family and later by the Mullen/Lang and Chown families.   Dave had a career in engineering with Bell Canada and continued his social connections with the Bell crew well beyond his retirement.   He later began his second career as a handyman, where he proved to be a real craftsman who could take on any project.  Deadlines were often extended, but his stories and the fashion wear of bib overalls with pockets filled with tools, candy, his glasses and topped with an Aussie hat, made him the man we had come to know.  Throughout his life, Dave filled his time with many adventures that included countless camping and canoe trips with his family, friends and scouts where he enjoyed many campfires, hikes and lots of laughter.

In his later years, Dave found joy in the simple routines he loved, helping his neighbours with any task that was presented to him, as well as his frequent visits to the Grad Club, where he formed warm friendships with everyone he met.  Dave spent much of his time with his beloved dog, King, his loyal companion.  Together they walked forest trails for hours, enjoying the peace of nature and each other’s company.

Dave was cherished by all who knew him.  He was a great man, and his absence will be felt profoundly.  Honouring his wishes, cremation has taken place through Westview Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, and a celebration of his life will be announced later.  For those who wish to do so, donations in Dave’s memory may be made to the Humane Society London & Middlesex.