Leonard Walter Stirling
November 3, 1937 to February 12, 2024
Obituary
To view the funeral service for the late Leonard Walter Stirling on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 11:00 am, the service will be livestreamed through St. Augustine’s Facebook Page. To access the service, please click on the following link: /https://www.facebook.com/StaugustinesNL/
Passed away after a brief illness Leonard Walter (Len) Stirling on February 12, 2024. Predeceased by his mother Anna (Tucker) Walsh; father Sam Stirling; late wife Margaret Stirling (Evans); and daughter Susan Burry (Stirling), sisters Shirley Stirling and Olive Grunert (Stirling), infant brother Lee, brother-in-law Vincent Downey; and nephew Matthew Kennedy.
Leaving to mourn with heavy hearts his wife Bernadette Stirling (Dawson); his children Jane Soper (Bill), Bill Stirling (Marie), Joanne Stirling; step-daughters Dr. Lesa Dawson (Dr. Andrew Smith), Christina McLoughlin (Paul) and Dr. Katie Saunders (Marc); grandchildren Matthew Soper (Megan), Katie Payne (Mark), Jenny Stirling (Pat), Evan Stirling (Erica), Alex Stirling (Sofia), Aaron Stirling (Katee), Maggie Saunders, Anna Saunders, Laura Tamutis, Rory Smith and Ellen Smith; great grandchildren Emily, Carter, Braiya, Shaye, Lily and Emma; brother-in-law David Evans (Sandra); son-in-law Randy Burry; and sisters Olga Alexander (Mike), Brenda, Maxine (Jasen), Debbie, Margie/Drew and a circle of nieces, nephews, cousins and other family.
Born in 1937 in Corner Brook, Len has been a force to be reckoned with all his life. The oldest of eight children, and the only boy, Len has always been a natural leader. Every decision in his life was methodical, rational, well-researched and deliberate. As a school-aged boy he enrolled in the Canadian Army Cadets, learning leadership skills that served him throughout his life and was awarded provincial Cadet of the Year in 1953. Len was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant (Reserve) in the Royal Newfoundland Regiment in 1958. At 16 years of age, he began his career at Johnson Insurance. In 1956, aged 18, he moved to Grand Falls to open a branch in that community. It was there that he met the first love of his life Margaret Grace Evans. In 1960, they were married and moved to St. John’s when Len took up duties at Johnson’s head office on Elizabeth Avenue, and along came four children. In 1969, at age 32, Len decided to get involved in public life and ran for St. John’s City Council and, having received the largest number of votes for councilor, became the city’s Deputy Mayor. After a term on council, he made the jump to provincial politics and in the 1970’s spent some time as the president of the NL Liberal Party. In 1979 he was elected to the House of Assembly as the Member for Bonavista North. In 1980 he won the leadership of the Liberal Party and served as Leader of the Opposition in the House of Assembly. After his stint in politics, he returned to his career at Johnson Insurance in 1982 until his retirement at age 65, during which time he helped grow the company into a large national organization with offices across Canada.
A true pioneer in the insurance industry, he led the development of a group insurance program for teachers in Newfoundland and Labrador in 1964, and started a relationship with the NLTA that still exists 60 years later and fueled the national growth of Johnson’s by replicating the program in many provinces, including Ontario.
After losing Margaret to cancer at a young age, Len began a new relationship with the second love of his life, Bernadette Dawson, in the late 1990’s. Together they traveled the world and lived life to the fullest. Winters in the condo on St. Pete Beach, ski trips around the world with their ski group, and salmon fishing trips every summer. Len packed several lifetimes into one.
The family would like to thank Dr. Pat O’Shea for his care over the years, and the community paramedics, nursing and medical staff at the Palliative Care Unit for their warm and caring support during Len’s last few days.
The family will be accepting visitors at Carnell’s Funeral Home at 329 Freshwater Road, Friday February 16 from 10am-12pm, 2pm-4pm, and 7pm-9pm. Please note that Carnell’s is a nut free building due to a staff member with a severe allergy. Thank you for your understanding.
Funeral service to take place on Saturday, February 17th, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Augustine’s Church, Westerland Rd.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, or a charity of your own choosing.
Schedule
Visitations
10-12p.m. on February 16, 2024
2-4 p.m. on February 16, 2024
7-9 p.m. on February 16, 2024
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
funeral
11:00am, Saturday February 17th
St. Augustine's Church, Westerland Rd.
Bill and family, I am so sorry for your loss. May your memories bring you comfort and joy in this difficult time.
It is with a heavy heart that I extend my sincere condolences to the Stirling family and their many friends. Len was one in a million, just his presence made a difference. I first got to know Len and Bernie on a ski vacation which became an annual event for many years. His sense of humor, his integrity, intelligence, sincerity, accomplishments, humility are but a few of the many notable characteristics that proved him to be a man of great substance., he was also a great skier. I am very saddened by his loss but also I feel very fortunate and blessed that he called me “friend”. To Bernie and the family I wish for you the strength and comfort found in each other as your thoughts and memories of Len see you through the difficult days ahead .
Bernadette and Family, we are so sorry to learn that your husband , Len has passed. We have fond memories of him during the City Hall days when I worked at City. Hall. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of the family. at this sad time. Please accept our sincere sympathies.
My sincere condolences to your family, you lived a full life. Rest In Peace
To the Stirling family we wish to send our sincere condolences at this time..Our thoughts and prayers are with you,Marie and Richard
My deepest condolences to your entire family. Len hired me into the insurance business which became a lifelong career. He was a kind caring beautiful gentleman. Pillar of the insurance industry & very much respected by all that had the pleasure of meeting him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time..
Jane, Bill, Joanne and families,
We are so sorry for the loss of your dad. Len was a wonderful man and I know you’ll miss him very much. Sending love to you all.
Bill my dear, yet another bright light has been extinguished.
To Billy, Jane and Joanne.
Uncle Leonard always supported his younger sisters, my mom especially.
Mom always spoke so lovingly and respectfully of Uncle Lee. She would constantly tell me how smart and how responsible he was and that she wanted me to be just like him when I grew up. We all get older and we all realize too late of wasted opportunity to talk and be closer with our relatives. Uncle Lee will forever be in my heart for how he did everything he could to help mom and her 6 children. How he led by example and how he respected and was respected by every life that he entered, be it in his social circle, business or politics. Cherish your memories with him, celebrate the time you shared and as he said to me when mom died……remember him every single day. Cuz u were his pride and joy……
Love Always,
Darryl, Carol, Gregory, Samantha and Ryan Harding.
Maxiine sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. 🙏
Sincere condolences to all of Len’s family.
He was a wonderful gentleman. Always a pleasure and lots of laughs while in his company .
Our sincere condolences for you at this time. Mr Stirling was a kind and wonderful man..
You have our deepest sympathy and unwavering support. We wish you peace, comfort, courage and lots of love at this time of sorrow. Our heart goes out to you during this difficult time. Xoxo
To the Stirling and Dawson families we send our deepest condolences on the passing of Len. Our thoughts return to the many great times we enjoyed together during our long friendship especially before Margie’s passing.. Yes, Len had a great and varied career, was always very much of a gentleman , a committed and fun loving friend. He will be forever remembered. RIP Len
I had the pleasure of meeting Len and his second wife Bernadette on a number of occasions when I was Executive Director of FSNA (now named NAFR) the federal retirees association. He had the ability to make you feel like a friend and one always felt his passion and commitment to Johnson. His passing is indeed a great loss to his family, his friends and colleagues. My sincere sympathies.
We were so very sorry to hear of Len’s passing. Len was a critical architect of the success of Johnson Insurance for his near 50 years of dedicated service. Len was a pioneer in the Canadian Group Insurance arena and developed incredibly strong partnerships that have stood the test of time. We are incredibly grateful for his sage advise and counsel as he has left an indelible mark on our business during his tenure.
More importantly are the friendships formed throughout the years and Len’s unwavering commitment to sharing his knowledge and experiences, will forever be honoured and deeply respected.
I’m sorry that I won’t be able to pay my respects in person, however please know that you are in my thoughts as you celebrate a life well lived.
My deepest condolences to the family, relatives and close friends of Len Stirling. It was a privilege to have had the honour of meeting some family members if even for a short time.
May Mr. Stirling Rest in Peace ✝️🌹
A lovely tribute! My heartfelt condolences to Len’s family and friends. A profound loss for all who knew him. I worked with Len when he was an MHA and later I was delighted to work alongside Margie. There were great times with much laughter and, of course, the dancing! I was happy when Len found love with Bernie. Len was kind, generous and a gentleman with never a harsh word. He was proud of his children and he beamed when he spoke about his grandchildren and now great-grandchildren. I have such wonderful memories. A remarkable life for a remarkable man. Rest in Peace, Len …. and enjoy the dancing.
Bill, Marie and family. – so sorry to hear of your father‘s passing.. I am currently out of the country but wanted to pass along my condolences.
So sorry to be seeing this. Len was a great leader in all the years I worked at Johnson Insurance. Condolences to all
So sorry Joanne for yours and your families loss. My deepest sympathy. RIP Mr. Stirling
To the entire Stirling Family
Our deepest condolences to you All.
We have so many wonderful memories of your Dad. And Husband . He was a wonderful man. Who loved his Family dearly. Know you all have endless memories that will help comfort you at this time and beyond .
God bless and take care of each other..
Janet(Granter)Butler and Gary Butler
Maxine, I’m sorry to learn of your brother’s passing. I hope happy memories will comfort you during this difficult time. Sending sincere condolences. Linda Harnett
I remember how amazed Alderdice Place neighbours were to see your Dad barbequing during winter months . He was definitely ahead of his time in so many ways. Condolences to all on your loss.
Maxine……thinking of you as you mourn your brother. May he RIP.
I was immensely saddened to learn of the passing of your precious Len and wish to send my deepest sympathies.
I had the luxury of knowing the Sterling family growing up in St. John’s, and living just down the street from my childhood home. I have many fond memories of growing up with Jane, Billy, Jody, and Susie and their parents.
I distinctly remember the great laugh and wonderful stories that your Dad shared and the delicious meals served in your home on Alderdice Place..
Such a beautiful write-up that gives me a further glimpse into all the accomplishments of Len. He truly was devoted to his family, career, and community. A true role model for others.
May your photos, family get-to-gathers, and conversations give you much-needed comfort at this very difficult time. The bond you share will forever be in your hearts.
I send much love, warm hugs, and prayers as well. Please take care and God bless!
Thank you – Len, for being a terrific human being.
You will be missed tremendously and may you rest in peace.
Our deepest condolences to the Stirling family..A true gentleman with a distinguished career.
Ann and Ed Williams
So many wonderful memories. I will hold onto them forever.. Uncle Len was a wonderful and kind man. Our family will be forever grateful for all of the wonderful things we experienced as children. Sending love and prayers to all of the family. Love Nancy (Harding ) O’Donnell, Gerry (husband and daughter Megan
So sorry to hear this sad news! Condolences to all his family and friends!! I worked with Mr. Stirling at Johnson Insurance for many years! He always had a smile and was soft spoken! RIP Mr. Stirling! God Bless💔💔💔
My deepest condolences to the Stirling Family. I worked with Len at Johnson Insurance for many years . I remember him being a mild spoken man who was well respected by all his co workers. May he rest in peace..
Bernadette Williams
Uncle Leonard was a true gentle Man who had the kindest heart and demeanor and was the most unselfish person I have ever known.
Our amazing late Mother Olive absolutely adored her older brother and told us countless stories of how Uncle Leonard positively influenced so many other peoples lives with his caring and thoughtful soul over many years.
I am so very sad that we have lost such a wonderful person and I am honored to have been named after him.
My sincerest condolences to Uncle Len’s family and friends and acquaintances on the loss of this truly great Man.
May Uncle Len’s rewards be many and may he Rest in Eternal Peace.