RONALD CLEYTON SPROULE

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

RONALD CLEYTON SPROULE July 16, 1919 May 10, 2010 There is a saying that you can take the boy out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the boy. Such was the case with Dad. Born on a farm south of Lafleche, Saskatchewan, Dad learned early on the value of hard work and persistence along with the many vagaries of farming. His life was spent supporting farmers and their way of life in one way or another. Shortly after completing a business course at Balfour Tech. in Regina, he enlisted in the army during the Second World War. While he was stationed at Ft. William, Ontario, he met and married Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Elliott in 1942. Together they raised a family of six children three boys and three girls. In 1946, Dad accepted a position in the Grade Checking Department of the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool in Winnipeg. By 1967 he had become Director of the Terminal Division, a position he held until his retirement in 1979. Dad served on a number of industry committees during his career but in all his work, the good of the farmer was always foremost in his mind. At home, life was never quiet. Our house became known as the Sproule Community Club . With six children and their friends playing in every nook and cranny, the house was always full of little people . Probably as an act of self-preservation, Dad helped community members to build the Silver Heights Community Club, and later the Deer Lodge Curling Club. He and Mom were active curlers there for many years, and both served as club presidents. Dad thoroughly enjoyed his membership in the Past-Presidents' Association at Deer Lodge and wore his blue blazer proudly. Despite his many commitments, Dad always had time to care for his own farm . Summer evenings would find him out in the yard tending his vegetable and flower gardens, keeping his hands in the soil. To enable them to spend even more time outdoors, Mom and Dad purchased a cottage at Betula Lake. A summer haven for family and friends, it was the site of many blueberry pancake feasts, boat rides in The Blue Streak , fishing excursions to the narrows, laughter-filled card games, and the making of delicious, homemade, blueberry ice cream. There isn't a child in our family who doesn't remember driving to Betula with Grandpa and Grandma and stopping at Jack's Cozy Corner for ice cream; roasting marshmallows at the huge fireplace in the cottage, helping Grandpa fill the bird feeders; putting out peanuts for the chipmunks; paddling by canoe to the island ; trying to operate the pump at the store during a water run ; checking the hundreds of hats Dad had hanging from the cottage rafters; or adding another hat to Grandpa's impressive collection. Everyone who visited the cottage was aware that after lunch was quiet time, or well time , when Grandpa would say Well, it's that time, and head off for his daily nap, often with a dog in tow. A highlight of Mom and Dad's year was their annual trip to Maui where they enjoyed a warm break from Manitoba winters. They would find a place at Hale Kamaole and family and friends were welcome to join them there. Dad loved nothing more than spending time socializing around the barbecue pit, soaking up the sun by the pool or early morning walks to the mall for the paper or cinnamon buns! When Dad retired, he was finally able to return to the land in some fashion. For many years, he and Mom would head for Rockglen, Saskatchewan to help with harvest on a family farm. Within five minutes of his arrival, Dad would have on his blue jeans, work boots and flannel shirt and be headed for the Quonset to start work . He was never happier than when he was running the auger, driving a grain truck or pulling a swather. The values Dad taught us, live on in each of us honesty, integrity, self-respect and respect for others. We learned that the most important things in life are caring for family and for our fellow man. Dad was predeceased by our mom Betty, in 2001 and by our brother Ron, in 2000. He was also predeceased by his brother Samuel and three sisters, Alda, Mabelle and Ruby. He is survived by one sister Shirley and four brothers: Keith, Merle, Davis and Barry. He leaves to carry on his legacy, his remaining children: Elizabeth (Cliff); Beverley (Pat); Doug (Kathy); Rob (Diane); Sharon (Dallas), as well as 11 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank Arlis and the staff on ward T3 of the Deer Lodge Centre for their care and compassion during Dad's stay. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity of your choice. More importantly, our wish would be that if you have a family member suffering from dementia you would visit them often. Though memories fade, your love is an everlasting gift. A celebration of Dad's life will be held on Saturday, May 15 at 2:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave. Chapel Lawn 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 13, 2010