With heavy hearts, the family announces the passing of Sterling Ellsworth Conrad of Sturgeon, loving and devoted husband of 60 years to Charlotte (Seitz) Conrad, which occurred with family by his side on Tuesday, October 12, 2021. Born in Sturgeon, August 3, 1937, son of the late Sterling F. and Mildred (Moore) Conrad. He is survived by Charlotte and their children, Wayne Conrad, Susan McNeely, Sheryl Conrad and Sharleen Conrad; brother Keith (Barbara) Conrad; cherished grandchildren, Ryan McNeely, Brandon McNeely, Lyman (Keira) Beatty, Samantha Hollands, Hannah Beatty and Christina Hollands; and numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by sisters June (Orville) Menard, Joyce (Clarence) Lanteigne, Audrey (Melvin) McLennan and brother Ralph (Theresa) Conrad.
 
The family wishes to express its gratitude to the staff members of Kings County Memorial Hospital for their kindness, care and compassion.

Private family Funeral Service to take place on Saturday, October 16, 2021 in the Ferguson Logan Montague Funeral Home Chapel. Interment to take place at the Sturgeon United Church Cemetery. Online condolences may be made through the Funeral Home website at www.fergusonlogan.com. In lieu of flowers, a donation to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.

Funeral Service to be live streamed on Saturday, October 16 at 2:00 pm. To watch click the live stream button at the top of the obituary at 1:55 pm.


Sterling Ellsworth Conrad – A Life of Service

Born and raised in Sturgeon, PEI, Sterling Ellsworth Conrad left PEI at the age of 17 to enlist in the Royal Canadian Air Force. He served from June 1955 until October 1988, helping to keep the peace during the Cold War Era as an aircraft communications and radar technician. He undertook his electronics training at Clinton, Ontario and was stationed at RCAF MacDonald, Manitoba; RCAF Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; CFB Gimli, Manitoba; CFB Shearwater, Nova Scotia; and lastly NDHQ Ottawa (Rockcliffe), Ontario until his retirement, when he returned home to PEI.

While posted in Saskatoon, Sterling met Charlotte, his lifelong love and companion, and in 2021 they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. They raised four children: Wayne, Susan, Sheryl and Sharleen and became beloved grandparents to Ryan, Brandon, Samantha, Christina, Lyman (Keira) and Hannah. His selflessness, love, strength of character, devotion to service, and twinkle of mischief in his eye have been an example to them all. In July 2021, Sterling proudly celebrated Lyman’s wedding, the first among his grandchildren.

Sterling was an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion for 61 years and was awarded a Life Membership in January 2003. After retiring to PEI, he joined Montague Branch #8 in 1996 where he remained active throughout his retirement. He was instrumental in bringing the branch back to a viable state, and over the years has helped wherever and whenever the need arose. Appointed to the Executive Committee in 1997, he served as Third Vice President in 1998 and First Vice President from 1999 to 2001. He became President in 2002, a role he held for many years, followed by serving as Treasurer. He contributed to many committees including as Chair of the Membership Committee and of the Honours and Awards Committee. He was elected Deputy Zone Commander for Kings County in 2001 and then served as its Zone Commander between 2002 and 2005. Sterling spent countless hours in devotion to community causes, in particular in raising funds for the Children’s Wish Foundation and in support of the annual Poppy Campaign. Year after year, Sterling made sure the youth who participated in Legion events were recognized for their efforts. He could often be found calling at Bingo nights at the Legion and entertaining the players with his mischievous wit.

 

Sterling was awarded numerous medals in recognition of his outstanding and continuous devotion to serving the community, the Royal Canadian Legion and the country, including the Past Officer Medal in 1999, the 75th Anniversary Commemorative Medal in 2000, the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002, the Meritorious Service Medal in 2008, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2013, and culminating in receiving the Palm Leaf to the Meritorious Service Medal in 2016, the highest Legion Honour.

In partnership with his brother Ralph, Sterling was also legendary for playing a ‘mean’ game of cribbage.



Fading away like the stars of the morning,
Losing their light in the glorious sun -
Thus would we pass from the Earth and its toiling,
Only remembered by what we have done.

-Horatius Bonar