Obituary of Sterling Everett McInnis

It is with an appreciation of a life well lived, the family announces the passing of Sterling Everett McInnis, husband of Anne M. (Forbes) (Seely) McInnis, on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at the Saint John Regional Hospital of pneumonia.

Born on October 13, 1933, in Saint John, he was a son of the late Edward and Jennette (King) McGinnis. At a young age, Sterling lost his mother and was raised in PEI by her parents. They moved to Brookville, NB, where he received his education. Sterling served with the Navy in Halifax from 1956-1971, serving as an Airplane Mechanic, retiring as Corporal. He met his first wife Louise (Moore) McInnis in Halifax while serving in the Navy at Shearwater, NS. Sterling spent three years working aboard the HMCS Bonaventure during the time of the Cuban Missile Crisis. During these years, he played hockey with the Canadian Navy Team. Sterling enjoyed playing hockey, baseball, softball and collecting coins. After retiring from the Navy, Sterling owned and operated McInnis Grocery in Dartmouth; he then was employed as a Commissionaire at the Halifax Citadel until his retirement. After the passing of his wife, he met Anne Marie, and was immediately welcomed with open arms into her family. He was kind, compassionate, and a gentleman. Sterling loved to sing and sang often to Anne. He and Anne were faithful members of First Bible Baptist Church in Quispamsis and loved their church family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Besides his wife Anne, Sterling is survived by his stepchildren; Brenda Conrad (Pastor Robert Conrad), Cindy Lake (Pastor Percy Lake), Mark Seely (Kandy), Donald Seely (Sandy), and Pastor Phillip Seely (Jessica), 60+ cherished grandchildren, and several great grandchildren, special nephew Patrick O’Regan (Kathy), as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

Sterling is predeceased by his parents, his first wife Louise (Moore) McInnis, brothers; Hilyard (Audrey), and Densil “Bud”, sisters; Janet and beloved sister Norma Vallis (Nick).

The family wishes to thank Dr. Brianne Castonguay for her excellent care and compassion to Sterling and Anne through the years.

Resting at Kennebecasis Community Funeral Home, 152 Pettingill Road, Quispamsis (506-849-2119) with visiting on Sunday from 3-4 PM. Funeral Service will be held on Monday, January 29, 2024, at First Bible Baptist Church, 218 Hampton Road, Quispamsis at 1:00 PM with visiting from 11-1PM. Interment to take place at Dartmouth Memorial Gardens, Dartmouth at a later date. For those who wish, donations in memory of Sterling may be made to First Bible Baptist Church.