Ronald Sparling

Ronald Sparling

Peacefully at the Treherne Hospital on Wednesday, December 8, 2010, Mr. Ronald Sparling of Treherne, Manitoba passed away at the age of 89 years.

He leaves to mourn his loving wife Gladys (nee Catte); daughter Wendy (John) Semenowich of East Selkirk and son Keith (Pat) Sparling of Treherne; six grandchildren:  Tracy (Colin) Merkel, Don Semenowich, Rob (Ria) Semenowich, Jeremy Sparling, Allison Sparling (Ryan Swain) and Wray Sparling (Kim Kunst); two great-grandchildren Annika Merkel and Corbin Semenowich.  He also leaves to mourn one brother Fred Sparling (Vanetta), one sister Audrey Jarvis; one sister-in-law Marlene Osborn; and numerous nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents William Sparling and Mabel (nee Maywood);  four sisters Gertrude (Earle) Crawford, Mina (Bill) Robinson and Lillian (Frank) Leslie and Mabelle (Louis) Nichols; two brothers:  Lorne (Kay) Sparling and Jim Sparling; one sister-in-law Louise Sparling; and by one brother-in-law Cliff Jarvis.

Ron was raised in the Beaconsfield area through the Depression and those memories, good and bad, remained with him. He fondly remembered his dad building a rink in the yard every winter and people would come from miles to skate or play hockey. On Wednesday nights, even though they didn’t have a lot, his mother would bake a cake for all the skaters. His family meant the world to him.

On Oct. 11, 1947, he married the love of his life, Gladys (Catte) and they started their life together. After Wendy and Keith were born, they settled in the Matchettville district and remained there until moving into Treherne in October 2008. Then in April 2010, they moved into the Tiger Hills Villa.

He was always proud of his children and grandchildren and appreciated everything they did for him. He could have written the book about unconditional love.

Farming and music were constants in his life. He played guitar while Gladys played piano and they were often on the road to play for dances or at care homes, finally at the Treherne Friendship Centre with The Saints. He continued to farm and help Keith get established until he was in his eighties, feeding cattle and moving bales. His grandchildren all remember riding on the tractor with Grandpa and that he put a bench along the back so they could all fit. He didn’t talk a lot, but they all knew he’d do anything for them and when he started talking about the old days and school pranks, it was hard to get him stopped.

Funeral services will be held in the Treherne United Church on Saturday, December 11, 2010 at 2 p.m. with interment in the Bethel Cemetery with Cathy Kinsman officiating.

The eulogy was prepared by granddaughter, Tracy Merkel, and long-time friend, Gilbert DeMey.  Pallbearers are nephews Mervin and Brian Robinson, Dale Sparling, Larry Crawford, Jim Leslie and David Van Wallegham. Friends Harvey & Mona Hyde, Roy and Joyce Lyall, Gilbert DeMey and Keith Gorrie are honourary pallbearers. A musical tribute will be played as the family leaves the church. Lunch will be provided by the ladies of the Treherne United Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a local charity of choice.

Adam’s Funeral Home of Notre Dame, Manitoba in care of arrangements.  Phone 248-2201 or 1-888-400-2326.  www.afh.ca