Aaron Sterling

DURHAM-Aaron Thayer Sterling passed away peacefully on August 27th, 2011, following a lifelong illness. He spent his final days surrounded by family and friends that Aaron had touched throughout his short, yet very memorable life.Aaron was born on July 6th, 1981 in Waterville, Maine. He attended schools in Skowhegan, Maine and the University of Maine at Orono. For the past 3 years, Aaron lived in Durham, North Carolina.Aaron had Cystic Fibrosis, but the disease never defined who he was. He not only survived two lung transplants, but also thrived with grace and determination. Aaron’s life would seem too short to many, but for those who were touched by him, understood that the quality of existence far exceeds quantity of time in which you live it. He possessed strength, perseverance, and the ability to overcome incredible odds and physical challenges. With his courage he led us to believe that each day is a blessing and an opportunity to create lasting memories.Aaron had a wonderful zest for life. He enjoyed golfing, hunting and fishing, particularly with his dad and brother and many wonderful friends. He loved music of all kinds, and was known as an accomplished cook and brewer. Aaron was creative, enjoying cross-stitching and fly-tying. He had a passion for all things political, and thrived on lively debates with his family and friends. Aaron was the consummate sports fan when it came to supporting the Patriots, Bruins, Celtics and Red Sox. He was proud to be a Registered Parliamentarian and served as the President of the Maine Association of Parliamentarians. While at the University of Maine, Aaron served as Vice President of Student Government & President of the General Student Senate and was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.With Aaron’s passing we remind everyone that his life is one to be celebrated. We will miss him everyday, especially his kind and gentle nature, and his winning smile. Aaron taught us about how to live with courage, humor and incredible optimism. He will always remain forever in our hearts. Aaron is survived by his partner-in-life, Kellie Pelletier of Durham, North Carolina; loving parents, John and Debra Sterling of Skowhegan, Maine; brother Tyler and sister-in-law Danielle of Westbrook, Maine; grandfather William Shepherd of Las Vegas, Nevada; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.Aaron leaves behind many wonderful caregivers that provided love and support that enhanced his quality of life. There is a special place in our hearts for the members of Duke’s Lung Transplant team. Because of their continual dedication and support, Aaron was able to survive some of his toughest medical challenges. All of the special people who care for patients at Central Maine Medical Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and at Duke University Hospital, too numerous to mention, provided Aaron with love and dignity in his life and also in his death.There will be a memorial service to celebrate Aaron’s life on Wednesday, August 31st, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. at the Hudson Funeral Home, 211 South Miami Blvd, Durham, NC. For this celebration, please feel free to dress casually and wear bright colors. There will be another memorial service held in Skowhegan, Maine at a date yet to be determined. Aaron’s wish was to begin a scholarship fund to benefit Skowhegan Area High School students. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:The Aaron T. Sterling Scholarship FundC/O Bangor Savings Bank Skowhegan Branch P. O. Box 454 Skowhegan, Maine 04976Online condolences can be made at www.hudsonfuneralhome.com