Search Results

STERLING -- Malcolm Archer Sterling, 84, died early Friday, January 12, 2007. Eldest of three sons born to Leslie and Ethel Archer Sterling in Canastota, NY, June 21, 1922, Malcolm joined the Army Air Corps, serving in the 29th Fighter Squadron during WWII. As a radio operator, he was studying a new secret radio wave called FM when the war ended in 1945. Malcolm used the GI Bill to complete degrees in music and in education. In his professional life, he worked as a high school English and Drama teacher, a guidance counselor, and a New Mexico DVR disability adjudicator. He was a strong advocate of higher education who successfully found scholarships for students who couldn't afford college. While working for New Mexico DVR, he enjoyed the challenge of helping disabled people qualify for benefits. In addition, he spent a few memorable summers as a U.S. Park Ranger at Aztec Ruins and Chaco Canyon. In 1965 he was certified as a lay speaker in the United Methodist Church. As a husband and father, he instilled a love of reading, music, and nature in all his children, encouraging them to follow their interests. Blessed to be loved by two special women, Malcolm is survived by his loving wife of 18 years, Wanda M. Sterling, stepson Kent Nicholson and wife Christine, stepdaughter Cheryl Hicks and husband Don, and stepson Daniel Nicholson; step-grandchildren: Debbie Rembelski and husband Phil, John Nicholson and wife Robin, Ron Hicks and wife Holly, Christie Hicks, Kristofer Douglas, Wanda Nicholson and her husband, Daniel "Chi" Nicholson and six great-grandchildren. Malcolm was predeceased by his beloved wife of 42 years, Cecile Burton Sterling. He will be greatly missed by his seven children: daughter Terrie Sterling and husband Mike Rowan, daughter Cheela Renouard and husband Scott, son Brian Sterling and wife Mary Dolores, son Stephen Sterling and wife Terry, daughter Mara Browning and husband John, son Craig Sterling and wife Frances, and daughter Karla Sterling; seven grandchildren: Eric Renouard and wife Connie, Keith Renouard and wife Mary, Morgan Sterling, Amber Sterling, Warren Sterling, Tatum Sterling-Oerth, Robert Browning, and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Vernon G. Sterling and wife Phyllis. Services will be held Tuesday, January 16, 2007, 11:00 a.m., at Central United Methodist Church, 1615 Copper N.E. Friends may visit Central United Methodist Church one hour prior to the service. Should friends desire, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, Attn: Lorraine West, 10501 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Suite 300, Albuquerque, NM, 87111. Interment will immediately follow the memorial service at the Fairview Cemetery, Yale and Caesar Chavez Blvd. French Mortuary 1111 University Blvd. NE 843-6333
        Published on: Tue January 16, 2007