Sterling Donald McCauley

It is with much sadness and sorrow that the family of Sterling Donald McCauley wishes to announce his sudden and unexpected passing on Friday, February 11, 2011, just one week short of his 65th birthday. Sterling was born in Ottawa on February 18, 1946 and later moved with his parents and brother at an early age to Kakabeka Falls where he attended the local grade school, and later Selkirk High school. He married his high school sweetheart, Judie in 1968 and together, they began a family. The deep and abiding love they shared throughout the years shone like the brightest star for all the world to see. Sterling worked at Great Lakes Paper after leaving high school and then became interested in the Sheet Metal trade where he earned his apprenticeship at New Idea Sheet Metal. Several years later, Sterling bought the company and renamed it McCauley & Son Enterprises where he worked with his son Sterling and wife Judie. Sterling sold the business in 1993 and pursued his hobby, building beautiful stock car bodies for the local racers. Several of his car bodies won the "Body Beautiful" award. Sterling loved creating things out of metal and another one of his hobbies was crafting mailboxes in the shape of stock cars which were mostly gifted to friends. His hobby earned him an interview and write up in the local newspaper and he became famous for a little while. Sterling was an artist in his field. His other on going project that took up all of his free time was the restoration of his 1952 Willies Jeep. Hunting, fishing and camping with his family were also his favourite pastimes and watching Nascar races on Sunday afternoons. Sterling's favourite drivers were Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty. Sterling's warm heart, generosity and gentle disposition won him many friends who often stopped by his shop for a chit chat and to view his "wall of fame". In his younger years, Sterling won many medals for his prowess in archery. He also belonged to an elite car club called the Road Runners and he and his friends would take their hot cars to Minneapolis to drag race. Sterling raced his 1966 Dodge Hemi there and nearly always won his heat. His friends affectionately named him King of the Road. In the last few years, Sterling developed an avid interest in cooking. He would watch Rachel Rae's 30 minute meals and then zip down to the Odena to buy the ingredients needed and thoughtfully cooked many delicious meals for his wife. Most of all, Sterling loved his family, his wife Judie who was the love of his life and his wonderful children and grandchildren. The family took many camping trips together. In 2010 when Judie retired, they took a road trip to Vegas thru the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and drove Route 66 from California to Missouri where they headed north again. They enjoyed that trip so much that they planned to do it again next year. Sterling is survived by his loving wife Judie of 42 years, daughter Yvonne (Kyle), son Sterling Jr., brother Ray McCauley (Myrna) and five grandchildren, Christopher, Stephen, Brandon, Austin and Kyla. He is also survived by many cousins living out west. Sterling was predeceased by his parents, Raymond and Margaret McCauley. Sterling's warm heart and tender smile will be missed by all, especially those who loved him. A celebration of his life will take place at St. Theresa Roman Catholic Church on Porter Street in Kakabeka Falls on Saturday, February 19th at 11:00 a.m. Although Sterling loved every kind of flower imaginable, if you wish, please make donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or to St. Augustine/St. Theresa Building Fund. Sterling, we had it all. I will love you forever. Online condolences may be made to www.nwfainc.com"