Stewart Sterling, 54

Without a doubt Stewart was quite the Alaska Railroad railfanning presence. The oldest experience he shared with me was a 1980 trip where he railfanned the train with Gary Munsey. In 1981 and 1982 he rode on the train to Grandview, took photos and went skiing back to the glacier. Do you have any memories you'd like to share?

Stewart Sterling links found on this site:

• Coastal Classic Chase
• #557 photos
• Verde Canyon F7 units
• 1981-1982 train sounds
• Caboose 1076
• Number 600 at Lowell Point
• Number 3015 at Anchorage
• Number 666 in the Anchorage yard
• Number 4008 "Spirit of Wasilla" with the NCL "Norwegian Dream"
• Number 3013 in Anchorage
• Number 1807 at the fuel racks in the Anchorage yard
• Numbers 3015 and 3012 (Gold Rush Special and #6) at Anchorage depot
• EMD MRS1 #1715
• A young Frank Dewey, ARR locomotive engineer, sticks his head out of #1806
• Number 3015 with a number board bearing 3014
• EMD FP7A 1514 after an electrical fire
• Future Alaska Railroad Stars
• Chasing Number 3015 along Turnagain Arm
• Number 1530 in Anchorage
• Number 1818 (future 1718) in the Anchorage yard
• P-30 in Anchorage
• Number 3015 taking the lead on the ski train to Grandview
• Caboose's being phased out
• ARR Open House 2014
• Bicentennial locomotives
• Fur Rondy Photos - 2/28/16
• Passenger car #5206 damaged from a yard movement accident
• EMD MRS1 #1717

From Pat Durand:

We are sad to announce the passing of 557 volunteer Stewart Sterling.  Stewart suffered a major stroke at home and died three days later.   Stewart was involved from the earliest days of the 557 restoration. In addition to his interest in trains and 557 he was an avid photographer and took a number of the 557 progress photos that we have posted. Below is his favorite photo of himself, at the throttle of Nevada Northern #40. 

Cathey Sterling relates that of all his pursuits, Alaska aviation history, photography, Coast Guard Auxiliary and model railroading, his real passion was for steam and particularly the 557 restoration.   Please keep Stewart's family in your thoughts and prayers.

There will be a celebration of life for Stewart Sterling on Saturday, October 27, 2018 between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. at the KINCAID CHALET at 9401 Raspberry Road Anchorage.   Pot luck finger food dishes are welcome.

Cathey asks that memorial contributions in memory of Stewart be made to:
Engine 557 Restoration Company 
PO Box 875360
Wasilla, Alaska 99687-5360

Stewart at the throttle of Nevada Northern #40

While Stewart took hundreds of photos at the 557 Engine house he was always behind the camera, but for this one.
Stewart is at the far left, joining the crew after setting the camera timer. January 2015

Stewart inside caboose at Whittier.

Stewart L. Sterling III

Obituary

Stewart L. Sterling III, 54, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018. A celebration of life will be held at Kincaid Chalet West Room on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018. Doors open at 2 p.m. with the celebration taking place from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Join us for a finger food potluck to celebrate together and share our memories. Bring a photo to share.

Funeral Home
Cremation Society of Alaska
7216 Lake Otis Parkway
Anchorage, AK 99507

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