ROCKLAND – Sterling J. LeBlanc, 63, died Nov. 3, 2010, of ocular melanoma. He was born April 28, 1947, in Old Town, son of Bernard A. and Loretta P. Randall LeBlanc. Sterling graduated in 1965 from Old Town High School where he was honored with the Most Valuable Athlete Award. Sterling was an avid basketball and baseball player, setting many team and individual records throughout his school years. He continued his education at the University of Maine at Fort Kent, graduating in 1969 with a degree in education. UMFK’s 1968-69 Bengals Basketball team captured their first Northeast College Conference crown and Sterling was named to the College All-State Team that year. He finished his career as a member of 1,000-point Club. Upon graduation, Sterling began his teaching and coaching career in Van Buren, where he lead the Crusaders to their first ever appearance in the Eastern Maine Basketball Tournament. He later coached and taught English in Presque Isle and Rockland school systems. Combining his love of teaching and athletics, he transitioned into the health and fitness industry. He managed Trade Winds Health Club and Sterling Fitness, now Mid-Coast Gym. He completed advanced studies at Adelphi University in New York and received his personal training certification from the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Sterling opened his private personal training studios in the Camden/ Rockport area in 1994, paving the way for others to pursue this career. Sterling’s rehabilitation experience allowed him to work closely with Down-East Rehabilitation and Johnstone’s Chiropractics. Sterling was passionate about his philosophy on strength training and healthy living, which he infused into the community. He started the Pen Bay Pacers Running Club in 1982, setting the stage for completing numerous marathons, biathlons and triathlons. He was a pioneer in the sport of racquetball, participating and hosting tournaments and clinics throughout the state. During the 1980s, Sterling was a part time sports writer for the Courier Gazette. Sterling took great pride in watching his sons, Todd and Shane, pursue their love for athletics, music and education. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Rolande Ouellette LeBlanc; son, Todd and wife, Paige, and grandsons, Noah and Casey; son, Shane; sister, Claudette Boggs and companion, Paul Fowles; sister-in-law, Mona Stearns and husband, Richard; father-in-law, Donald Dumond and wife, Dora; nephews, Sean Hall and wife, Sherri and great-nephew and great-niece, Patrick and Angela, Kevin Boggs, Donald Charlson and wife, Cindy, and David Charlson and great-niece, Fiona; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Sterling was predeceased by his mother, Loretta Petrie LeBlanc Randall; father, Bernard Abby LeBlanc, in 1976; and his mother-in-law, Irene O. Dumond, in 2005. The family extends gratitude and appreciation to friends, relatives, coworkers and medical staff who have assisted them in their time of need. Relatives and friends are invited to a gathering in celebration of Sterling’s life 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 20, at Samoset Resort, Rockport. Contributions in Sterling’s memory may be made to Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine, 87 Elm St., Camden, ME 04843. Condolences to the family may be expressed by visiting obituaries at www.bchfh.com.
STERLING J. LEBLANC
