It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Richard (Rick) Wilton Edward Sterne, an outstanding member of the Brantford community. Rick was a proud ambassador for Brantford and many of its organizations. He possessed a spirit of positivity, passion and generosity that would define his life.He was most passionate about his work with Brantford Rotary Club (49 years), having served as both President and District Governor.
Rick left this world on December 5th, 2023, at the age of 79. Born on October 9th, 1944, in Brantford, he was the devoted husband to Jeanette Sterne and loving father to Katherine Clamp (Bob), Jennifer Stroebe (Tim), Eric Sterne, Gwen Greene (Jay) and Amanda Dohey. He was the beloved grandfather of Sarah, Charlotte, Hannah, Mia, Madison, Riley and Max.
The family welcomes donations in Rick's memory to the Rotary Club of Brantford Charitable Foundation or the Lansdowne Children's Centre Foundation.
A Celebration of Life will be held to honour Rick on Saturday, January 27th, 2024, at the Brantford Club from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
A Celebration of Life will be held to honour Rick on Saturday, January 27th, 2024, at the Brantford Club from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
- Mike Mears
Rick was predeceased by his parents, father Francis Eddy (Ted) Sterne and mother Margaret Eileen (Peg) Hitchon Sterne as well as his sister Sharon, brother John David, former wife Elizabeth White Sterne and cousin Howie Mott (Cindy) as well as his devoted dog Chardonnay. He will be greatly missed by his niece and nephew, Kirsten Otis and Christopher Otis, his Aunt Marilyn Sterne and first cousins Martha Sterne, Virginia Mott Larder (Doug) and Barbara Mott Furlong (Joe). He will be fondly remembered by his many friends and extended family.
Rick was a leader and entrepreneur from the time he was a young child, organizing neighbourhood events throughout his youth and his school days. One of his early endeavours was founding the Bitter Grounds Coffee House during his undergrad years at Queen's University for which he received the Tricolour Award (in 1968) that honours a student for distinguished service, leadership, and character during their time at Queen's.
Rick attended high school, locally at Brantford Collegiate Institute, Chemical Engineering at Queen's University (recently attending his 55th homecoming reunion in October alongside his daughter and fellow Queen's Engineer, Jennifer), the Ivey School of Business at Western University and, most recently, the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto.
He began his professional career at 3M Canada in London, then returned to Brantford as the Executive Vice President at Sternson Limited. He ran for two political campaigns before starting his own business, Datasym Inc., which began as a small team in his basement. Datasym went on to grow and offer employment to many in Brantford and the surrounding area for over two decades. In his later years, he became a director of Brantford Hydro and Brantford Generation, a member at the Social Security Tribunal of Canada and most recently was a CEO Chair and Executive Coach at TEC Canada where he shared his time and mentorship with other entrepreneurs.
He was a past President of the Brantford Chamber of Commerce, Chair of the United Way and of the Board of Governors of Mohawk College. He served on and chaired many foundations including the Juravinski Cancer Centre, the Grand River Trillium Foundation and 29 years for the Samuel W. Stedman Foundation. He was Vice-Chair and Director of the Lansdowne Children's Centre, and a Jaycee for many years. Most recently, he was serving on the Laurier University Board of Governors and Senate - a champion of the Brantford campus. Rick's presence at community events and charitable gatherings was a testament to his commitment to making Brantford a better place for all.
Rick knew how to balance the demands of life with moments of joy and relaxation. He loved spending time with family and friends who often found themselves embraced by his hospitality, fun and positivity. He made Christmas' magical for his children and grandchildren. He loved new adventures and travel - taking up scuba diving with his son Eric, snowmobiling excursions with The Great Northern Ride and organizing many family trips - especially his trips to Mexico with Jeanette.
His most favourite place on Earth was at the family cottage in the Bay of Islands - fondly referred to as West Point. There, he sought personal solace and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. We know his spirit will live on through the special memories and retelling of those stories by his children and grandchildren of the summers spent up there with him.x
He began his professional career at 3M Canada in London, then returned to Brantford as the Executive Vice President at Sternson Limited. He ran for two political campaigns before starting his own business, Datasym Inc., which began as a small team in his basement. Datasym went on to grow and offer employment to many in Brantford and the surrounding area for over two decades. In his later years, he became a director of Brantford Hydro and Brantford Generation, a member at the Social Security Tribunal of Canada and most recently was a CEO Chair and Executive Coach at TEC Canada where he shared his time and mentorship with other entrepreneurs.
He was a past President of the Brantford Chamber of Commerce, Chair of the United Way and of the Board of Governors of Mohawk College. He served on and chaired many foundations including the Juravinski Cancer Centre, the Grand River Trillium Foundation and 29 years for the Samuel W. Stedman Foundation. He was Vice-Chair and Director of the Lansdowne Children's Centre, and a Jaycee for many years. Most recently, he was serving on the Laurier University Board of Governors and Senate - a champion of the Brantford campus. Rick's presence at community events and charitable gatherings was a testament to his commitment to making Brantford a better place for all.
Rick knew how to balance the demands of life with moments of joy and relaxation. He loved spending time with family and friends who often found themselves embraced by his hospitality, fun and positivity. He made Christmas' magical for his children and grandchildren. He loved new adventures and travel - taking up scuba diving with his son Eric, snowmobiling excursions with The Great Northern Ride and organizing many family trips - especially his trips to Mexico with Jeanette.
His most favourite place on Earth was at the family cottage in the Bay of Islands - fondly referred to as West Point. There, he sought personal solace and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. We know his spirit will live on through the special memories and retelling of those stories by his children and grandchildren of the summers spent up there with him.x