Sterling Ercanbrack

Sterling Keith Ercanbrack passed away August 22, 2016, in his beloved Provo home. Born to Sterling M. and Fern B. Ercanbrack on May 24, 1922, in Provo, Utah, he was the oldest of three children and was preceded in death by his parents and his two sisters, Ruth Ann Harmon and Bonnie Dewey and their spouses. He is survived by his wife of 68 1/2 years, Lauralee Lundahl, his six children, Taunalee Homer, Julianne Larson, Scott Ercanbrack, Marylynn Ercanbrack, Morgan Ercanbrack, Lance Ercanbrack, thirty-two grandchildren, and fifty-nine great grandchildren.

Growing up in Provo, he attended Maeser Elementary, Farrer Jr. High and Provo High, and then earned his B.S. degree in physics at Brigham Young University. World War II forced him to suspend his studies while he served as an ensign in the navy aboard a destroyer, the U.S.S. Braine, in the south Pacific. When the war ended, he began school at Utah State University, graduated with a master's degree in animal science, and found his eternal companion, Lauralee Lundahl, a local Cache Valley girl. They were married Dec. 17, 1947, in the Logan Temple and left that January for Ames, Iowa, to pursue a doctorate degree in genetics at Iowa State University.

Upon graduation in 1952 Keith returned to Provo to manage the Ercanbrack ranch and sheep herd. However, the sheep were eventually sold, and Keith was hired by the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station in Dubois, Idaho, to manage and improve their sheep herd. He retired in 1992 after thirty-five years spent in research, testing, and improving various breeds as well as traveling abroad to teach others the best methods of raising quality animals. He also took the whole family to Ithaca, New York, to complete a year of post doctorate work at Cornell University in 1967. He was widely respected by his scientific peers and even the governor of Idaho recognized him for his significant contributions in enhancing the sheep industry.

Keith loved mountains, flying his Cessna, riding horses or his ATV, and the gospel. He loved the church and served in many callings including bishop's counselor in an early Provo ward, Bishop of the Beaver Creek Ward, high counselor, and eventually as executive secretary and ward clerk in his Pleasant View ward. Having attended the national Boy Scout Jamboree in Washington, D.C. in 1936, and receiving his Eagle badge there, he remained ardently active in scouting, leaving many eagle scouts in his energetic wake! His church service culminated with twenty-four years of beloved temple work at the Provo Temple.

Keith’s life has always been an example of fairness, integrity, love and charity. His family was always his greatest joy; he will be greatly missed. We would love for you to leave a memory of Sterling here on the website by clicking on the condolence tab.

Funeral services: Saturday, August 27, 2016, 1 P.M., Pleasant View 1st Ward, 650 E Stadium Ave., Provo, Utah. Viewing: same day, 11:30 A.M. -12:30 P.M. Interment with military honors: Provo City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the Pleasant View 1st Ward missionary fund (unit #15032)