Well known Blind River resident Blair Sterling was joined by family and friends as the retired educator marked his 90th birthday on July 22.
He has lived most of his life at points along the North Shore starting where he was born in a farmhouse near Providence Bay on Manitoulin Island.
Sterling started his working career as a brakeman with Algoma Central Railway becoming a stevedore and progressing to building homes in Port Credit.
In the summer of 1953 he took a six-week course which qualified him to teach in rural schools in Ontario, a career path he would follow until his retirement in 1990.
“The one room schools where I first taught were near Englehart and near Kakabeka Falls,” he recalled.
“On June 30, 1954, Nancy Shortt, a beautiful local girl, and I were married. We had been together almost 61 years when she passed away with cancer. Nancy was a dedicated wife who thoughtfully cared for our six children plus over a 25-year period watched over 22 foster children. After two years teaching experience, full time attendance at North Bay teacher's college was mandatory for final qualification. Following graduation my postings were in Sturgeon Falls, Monetteville and Mindemoya.”
In 1960 he was chosen to be vice-principal at Thessalon Senior Elementary Public School where he became principal in 1963. In 1971 he accepted the principal position at Blind River Public Elementary School and retired from that post in 1990.
His 90th birthday party was held at the Canadian Legion hall in Blind River on July 22 where he was joined by family and friends. Mayor Sally Hagman presented him with a certificate marking his milestone.
“I'm proud of my kind family and I'm privileged to be living in the friendly and progressive community of Blind River. I appreciate that my two brothers, Gordon Sterling from Woodlands, Texas and Wayne Sterling from Devon, Alberta who were in attendance along with nephews Kevin Sterling from Airdrie, Alberta and Lonny Sterling from Elliot Lake. Very special guests were May Rose Wan formerly of Sturgeon Falls and her husband Albert who drove from Toronto for the celebration.”
“My wife Gladys and I say thank you to family and friends for this memorable event.”