It is with profound sadness that the family of Sterling Leslie Prest, 98, of Mooseland, announces his passing at Harbourview Lodge in Sheet Harbour on October 29, 2025. Born in Mooseland on December 18, 1926, he was the third of ten children of Boyd Embree Prest and Alice Marie Mitchell. As a child of the Depression years of the 1930’s, he grew up in a rich world of scarcity, self-sufficiency, and self reliance. He completed Grade Ten in Mooseland’s one room school and went to work full time at the age of fourteen. From childhood, he developed a tremendous work ethic and the many skills needed to be productive and successful in rural Nova Scotia. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in late 1944; the war ended before he was sent overseas.

Sterling’s life vocation was centered on the rich forest resource of the area. He started out in the age of horses and crosscut saws, and over his lifetime experienced a period of unprecedented evolution of the forestry and lumbering sector. First with his father, and eventually with his five brothers, he operated a lumbering business. His talents and determination made him an integral part of the efficient and successful forestry enterprise they ran for more than thirty years. Later on, his focus turned to improving the health of his woodlands through improved forest management. He was an early adopter of silvicultural treatment of his woodlots.

From childhood, he was an avid fisherman, hunter and skilled outdoorsman; these pursuits he shared with his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, in-laws, and outlaws. As a father, he was selfless beyond a fault. His devotion to family was total: there was no limit to the guidance and assistance he provided. He always made room for differences in our various personalities. He was widely respected in the community for his level-headed approach when asked for advice.

Sterling was an active member of the community. His contributions to village life helped Mooseland thrive. While he was a member of the Mooseland Area Community Association for many years, he also served as Warden of St Thomas Church, and as Warden of the Parish of Tangier. He served on the Board of Trustees of the Eastern Shore Memorial Hospital. In later years, he invested untold hours in our family genealogy and the history the Mooseland community.

Sterling was predeceased by his wife, Valerie, of 69 years, just six months ago; his daughter Judy; his brothers Murray, Fraser, Burnham, and Sidney; sisters Margaret, Marcheta, and Madonna. He is survived by his sons Wade (Julie) and Barry (Delfina); his eleven grandchildren Laura, Carolyn, Dale, Jeanette, Boyd, Leanne, Jody, Jesse, Jacob, Nick, and Deidre; seventeen great grandchildren; his brother Dugal (Elizabeth), and sister Donis.

Visitation will be held at D S Crowell Funeral Home in Sheet Harbour on Sunday, November 2nd from 2 to 4 pm and from 6 to 8 pm, with prayers at 7:30 pm. The funeral service will be at St Thomas Church in Mooseland at 2 pm on Monday, November 3rd. A reception at the Mooseland Community Centre will follow.

The family wishes to acknowledge the staff of Harbourview Lodge, who have provided an exceptional level of care for our father over the past two years. For those who wish, a donation in Sterling’s honour can be made to Harbourview Lodge.