Wilfrid Laurier University mourns passing of Board of Governors member Rick Sterne

Dec. 11, 2023

Wilfrid Laurier University mourns the passing of Rick Sterne, a provincial appointee to Laurier’s Board of Governors who had deep roots in the Brantford-Brant community. Rick passed away on Dec. 5, 2023 at the age of 79. Rick is survived by his wife Jeanette, his children Katherine, Jennifer, Eric, Gwen and Amanda, and his seven grandchildren.

Rick was a founding donor and long-time advocate and supporter for the continued growth and success of Laurier’s Brantford campus and the Laurier Brantford YMCA. He served as a Brantford LaunchPad mentor and a frequent mentor and supporter of the campus’s leadership group and its many community initiatives.

He was highly engaged in many Brantford organizations, including: a member of the board of the Grand Valley Educational Society; second vice-president of the board of the Lansdowne Children’s Centre; member of the board of the Stedman Foundation; and former president and decades-long member of the Rotary Club of Brantford, among many other roles.

“Rick was a remarkable friend and champion of Wilfrid Laurier University and especially the Brantford campus,” said Deborah MacLatchy, president and vice-chancellor. “He was generous with his time and expertise in many capacities, not only at Laurier but across the wider Brantford community. We feel very fortunate to have counted Rick as a board member and friend and he will be deeply missed.”

Rick had a long and successful career as a business executive, founding Datasym Inc., a multinational software company, and leading a water and wastewater chemical treatment company. He worked as an executive coach and was CEO and chair of The Executive Committee.

Rick was recognized with a number of awards, including the Canada Award for Business Excellence, the City of Brantford’s Ambassador Award and the Outstanding Life Achievement Award from the Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant for his support and initiative in making the Brantford community a better place to work, live, play and conduct business.

A celebration of life will be held to honour Rick on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024 at the Brantford Club from 4 to 6 p.m. Read Rick’s obituary in the Brantford Expositor.