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In Memoriam - John David Sterne

With extremely heavy hearts, we address the recent passing of our dear friend John David Sterne at his home in PAL Place. He was a well-known and well-loved figure in the arts community of Stratford, a kind beacon of perpetual hope who believed, not only in art, but in artists and their worth.

A driving force in the creation of INNERchamber, he served as President of the Board as we prepared to enter our 11th season. As a long-time member of PAL Stratford (Professional Arts Lodge) and a past President of the Board, he worked tirelessly for the benefit of artists in their later years who needed access to affordable housing and community support. He also served on the Executive of the Stratford Arts and Culture Collective working to find the arts and artists of Stratford a permanent home. His past work as Executive Director of the Stratford Symphony Orchestra brought him into our community and we are so thankful it did.

His life was a song of dedication across Canada, from Edmonton to Montreal. The wealth of experience and compassion he brought to our organizations was rich, and he shared his wisdom generously. It is not sufficient to say he will be much missed. We send our love for him and our profound gratitude to him out into the world as we strive to have as true a course and as open a heart as he did.

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