Herc Levine, BTC Founding Member
The BTC lost one of its founding members with the recent passing of Herc Levine. Herc was a charter member of the BTC, along with others such as Dr. Arthur Black, Gordon Seifert, Versal Spaulding, Les Longshore, Dr. Adam Robertson, and Wallace McRoy.
Earlier this year, many lifetime members of the BTC attended the 100th birthday of Wallace McRoy. I had the pleasure of sitting with Herc during lunch, and he told me about when he met Dr. Black, and when they first formed what would become the Birmingham Track Club. He was such a sweet man, and a delight to talk with that afternoon. I commented that he looked terrific as I took his picture for the BTC Facebook page and newsletter. He asked me if I would email his picture to his son -- I loved that he asked me to do that! He told me his son had set up an email account for him but he didn't use it much. When I read Herc's obituary, I smiled upon seeing the mention of his "son and best friend, Maury." He also had been married for forty-six years to his wife, Mary Rosalee Levine.
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| Herc Levine |
Herc spent a lifetime in health care and also volunteered his time to a variety of causes. He retired as the Director of Wellness and Health Promotions at Medical Center East. His community service contributions were abundant; besides the BTC, he was President of the Vestavia Hills Parks and Recreation Board twice, a nominee for Vestavia Hills Citizen of the Year Award twice, inducted into the Alabama Senior Citizens Hall of Fame, President of Temple Emaun-El Brotherhood, a 1996 Olympic Torch Runner for his volunteer work, representative to Jewish Children's Regional Service, founding member of the Mid Alabama Republican Club, recipient of the Tekum Olam award, Vice President of the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce, and a board member of the Jefferson County American Cancer Society.
It is important that we remember those that came before us, those that had the foresight and dedication to health through running long before it was a common activity, nationally or in this area. We are so lucky to have such a robust running community in Birmingham, and we stand on the shoulders of men like Herc Levine. Our thoughts are with Herc's family, and we mourn his passing with them.
By Jennifer Andress, Past BTC President
By Jennifer Andress, Past BTC President
Sterling Edwards
Sterling Edwards was a regular at The Trak Shak's Wednesday evening runs, or rather, a fixture, if you were to ask his friends. An avid fan of Alabama football and a dedicated member of the Birmingham Quarterback Club, he also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and running with his friends. Sterling’s untimely passing hit his friends in the BTC especially hard. Several of them wanted to share their memories. . .I could always count on Sterling to be at the Shak on Wednesday nights, no matter how late I showed up or hung around. Sterling had a special gift of being able to make connections with people. This is evidenced by his many long lasting friendships and genuine ability to show he always cared while simultaneously cracking a joke. Sterling’s love for running, the outdoors, and his family will be an enduring memory to all who know him. He will be truly missed in the local running community! -- Owen A. Bradley
Sterling was one of those rare people who, when they talked to you, they really cared about what you had to say. He remembered what you said last time, and he wanted to know what was going on now. Sterling Edwards, I wish I could have told you good-bye. Just one last chat at The Trak Shak. I wish I could have told you “thanks” for being so nice. You touched many lives, and we will never forget you. Rest in peace. -- Julia Dettling
I saw Sterling (shortly before he passed away) at the Shak. I now wish I would have given him a sweaty hug and just told him thanks for always being so nice and thoughtful. Such a great heart! – Cathy Sharp
Sterling was the real deal. What you saw is what you got! I always said (or at least thought) he was one of the kindest people I’ve ever known. I’ve heard that countless time since he’s been gone. I so hope he knew how many lives he touched by his simple acts of kindness. He was happy when he ran. In the heat of the summer or in the winter when we could barely move our lips, he would say, “It makes me feel alive. I can’t believe everybody doesn’t do it.” I concur. Long may you run, Sterling Edwards! – Stacy Hall Kadle
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| Sterling Edwards |
Compiled by Cathy Sharp