ALLAN LESLIE SPROULE

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ALLAN LESLIE SPROULE April 22, 1932 - January 24, 2011 Allan passed away peacefully, with his immediate family by his side, in Gimli Hospital at the age of 78 years. Predeceased by his father Joseph and mother Margaret, brothers Charlie, Joe, Jackie and Gordie, and sisters Bertha, Margaret, Ethel and Rose. He is survived by his wife and soulmate Barbara, sons Mike (Judy) and Gerry (Dianne), grandchildren Kim (Jeff) and Jennifer (Jeff); great-grandchildren Domenic, Lucas, James and Julia; sisters Belma, Ida and Josie as well as many nieces and nephews. Al was born in Brandon and moved to Winnipeg in 1946 to continue his education. It was at Daniel Mac that Al and Barbara met, and on July 10, 1951 their marriage began and lasted for almost 60 years. Al worked in various positions for C.P. Express and Transport for 35 years, making many lifelong friends, retiring at age 55. Al and Barbara lived in St. James from 1953 to 1990, moving to Sandy Hook, MB and residing in their retirement home which Al built himself with the assistance of his two sons. Al and Barbara became active members in their new community making many lasting friends. Without any formal training Al followed in his father's footsteps and became a self taught carpenter and builder. He was always working on or planning a new building project as well as always being there to lend a hand to those in need. He was larger than life, a man who always had time for family and friends, especially children. He loved playing football and was a lineman for the Daniel McIntyre Maroons from 1947 to 1950, a team that was inducted in the Manitoba High School Sports Hall of Fame. He coached and refereed his sons in hockey, played fastball with C.P. Express and Transport teams and loved golfing, ballroom dancing and bike riding with Barbara. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Al's life will be held in the spring with an announcement of time and place to follow. Honorary Pallbearers are Al Young, Malcom Davidson, Bill MacDonald, Richard Hebert, Urban Bowman and Denise Murray. We would like to thank the many friends and families who sent cards and letters of condolence and remembrance which warmed our hearts and was greatly appreciated. A special thank you goes to Ralph Pratt for his expertise. We would also like to thank the staff at CCU St. Boniface Hospital and the staff at the Arborg and Gimli Hospitals for their compassionate care.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 12, 2011