David Franz Sternberg

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of David Sternberg on Monday, October 6, at his beloved home on the Big East River in Huntsville, Ontario.

David is deeply missed by his sister Monika, his brother Peter, and his faithful companion Rocky, who was always by his side. He is predeceased by his loving parents, Gertrude and Henry Sternberg, and his older brother, Michael.

Born in Aurora and raised in Fenelon Falls, David was always on the wild side, but also creative, sensitive, and loved having fun. He played hockey, shot Pool at Al the Barber’s on Main Street, jumped off the falls with his brothers to put on a show for the diners at our parents’ Fallsview Restaurant, and tore around town with his friends. But even then, he was tough; he would not stand down from a fight and always did things his way.

After spending some time in Theatre Arts Production at college, he moved to Toronto, where he worked in construction for most of his life and became a heavy equipment operator within a couple of unions, helping to build and maintain essential infrastructure across the GTA and Ontario—from laying gas lines and hydro trenches to fiber networks. His stories of those years were incredible. He worked hard and was never without a job, even though he played hard; his work ethic was ferocious. From gas line explosions to fights with Foremen, who had no idea what they were doing. He spoke his mind, loved his dogs and family, and would help anyone who asked, but would not suffer fools lightly. Dave never had it easy, but he always had warmth in his heart. He would help his brother Peter by picking up their son from daycare during a snowstorm or by going fishing with his nephew. He would not hesitate to help even when he was fighting his own challenges!

After retiring from the Liuna Union, David settled in Huntsville, at a home beside his brother Peter’s cottage, on the Big East River, where he found some peace working on his home, playing guitar, fishing, watching birds from his backyard, and enjoying a cold beer with Rocky nearby. He always had some stories from a lifetime’s worth of crazy tales from his adventures and hard-earned experiences. He always worked so hard, but loved to laugh and would walk over to Pete’s house with a beer, welcoming him whenever he came up from the city!

After 40 years in construction, because he was so tough, he could usually fight the pain in his hands and body, and we all thought he would be here forever.

Though he lived a rugged and independent life, those who knew him best will remember his heart of gold, wrapped in a tough shell, his readiness to help anyone in need. David never missed a day’s work, faced every challenge head-on, and gave of himself without hesitation—though never without an opinion or two to go with it.

Rest easy, Dave. You’ve earned your peace.