Obituary of Sterling Bean

It is with extreme sadness that we announce the passing of Sterling who left us peacefully with his beloved family by his side.

Sterling was born in Starks Corners, Quebec (Shawville), to Thomas and Jean (Jeannie) Bean (nee Dale), he worked and lived on the family farm until moving to Ottawa in the late 50’s. He worked at Malmberg garage and held various positions within the industry until spending 25 years with the Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton before retiring in 1995.

He loved working with local youth and was an avid sports fan. This made him a good fit for his many years of involvement in local football, fitting equipment for both the Ottawa Sooners and the Ottawa Rough Riders.

Sterling held many positions with the Sooners including Equipment Manager, Director, and President, from 1970 until his retirement in 2001. During his time with the Sooners the team won the Mini Grey Cup with the Canadian Junior Football League in 1974 and 1984. He was also named as one of the members of the “25 year Dream Team” in 1985. He credits many of the coaches and volunteers that he worked with over the years for the success of the Sooners.

During his term as Equipment Manager with the Ottawa Rough Riders the team was successful in winning two Grey Cups, in 1973, and 1976. Sterling retired from his position with the Riders in 1987. He has many fond memories and lifelong friends from his 41 years of involvement in the Ottawa football scene.

Sterling always loved spending time at the cottage he built in Quebec surrounded by family, friends and the local bugs. He kept busy puttering, building and maintaining things around the cottage and the house. In 2018, Sterling and Lana moved to “Friendly” Almonte where he loved to sit on the porch and talk to the neighbours as they came by to say hello.

His sense of humour, teasing manner and generosity will be missed by those who knew and loved him. Sterling leaves behind his dear wife of 37 years, Lana Lackey, his daughters, Suzanne Porter (Allen), and Connie Bean, as well as his grandsons Zachary Porter and Kade Stewart. He is survived by his brother’s Elburn (Freda), Daryl (Marie) and his sister-in-law Mildred. He is predeceased by his parents, Jean and Thomas, as well as brother’s Oliver (Helen), Keith, Gerald (Claire), Kenneth (Elsie), Earl, Llyal (Lynette) and his best friend and sister Winona Poole (Allan). Sterling will be greatly missed by his many nieces, nephews, (great/great greats), along with the Lackey/Lambert families and friends.

Sterling’s family would like to thank Dr. Katie Forfar for her kind and thoughtful care. Dr. Forfar is a credit to her profession, and we truly appreciate all that she did for Sterling and his family.

To the team at Hayes Funeral Home, Greg, you and your staff have been outstanding during this difficult time.  Thank you for your support.

Funeral Service to be held on Friday, July 8th at St. Thomas Anglican Church, 1619 Stittsville Main St., Stittsville, Ontario at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers a donation to the Heart Institute or the Ottawa Sooner Jr. Football Team would be appreciated.