PAUL DOUGLAS SPARLING

Condolences & Memories (17 entries)

• I had the pleasure of being Paul Sparling’s friend. I am so sad to hear of his sudden passing. Many great memories of Paul in the 80s and 90s arriving in Inuvik having come from some place far away, minding the fish (or counting the fish). Sharing Arctic Char and some good laughs. He was a beautiful soul who shared his kindness, curiosity, his talent and his knowledge of so many things in his special way. May you be dusting up a jig somewhere my friend. To Karla, Finley and Elizabeth, and those who loved him, I am so very sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Doris Aubin (Friend From the North ) on: Jan 07, 2020

• This was indeed sad news, my thoughts and prayers, though much belated, go out to Paul’s family, along with his brothers and Barb. The wonderful memories I have of Paul while growing up, attending Vincent Massey, university, and family get togethers both in Canada and England still bring a smile to my face. I know that Paul’s passing will create a void, but just thinking of him shall bring a smile no matter what. - Posted by: Kathi McConnell-Hore (Friend) on: Dec 01, 2019

• Paul was a good guy - curious and fun loving. We went to high school together, worked as land surveyors on a crew together (even flying to Island Lake in Northern Manitoba for a job in the middle of winter once) with Tim Frame (also passed) and traveled together in England, Italy and Spain periodically back in 1979. We once boiled an artichoke on a small portable camp stove in Naples, Italy at Paul’s insistence - not a great meal for 4 guys! The worst part of getting older is having friends pass. Paul added to life and will definitely be missed. - Posted by: Paul McLennan (Friend) on: Jun 23, 2019

• Hey Paul, fitting in a lot of ways that I write this on Father's Day as you were not only a good man and partner to Karla but a fantastic dad. I know cause I attended the same Christmas concerts as you did for 9 or 10 years. 😁 You will always be a great friend to me and to Camila and Georgia plus the many others you entertained with great wit and humor. "Hey how are ya!!" Miss and love ya man. Deepest sympathies to all who loved you! - Posted by: Tony Gaw (Friend) on: Jun 16, 2019

• What a loss to us all. Paul was a vibrant community force and will be missed. Finley and family, we send you love and support from the Parks crew. - Posted by: Sara (Friend ) on: Jun 15, 2019

• I am deeply sadden to hear about Paul's passing. Hewill be sadly missed. My sinceres condoleances to Karla, the children and his family and close friends. Sending much love. - Posted by: Sylvie Binette (friend) on: Jun 15, 2019

• We will miss the happy smiling face of Paul. Music festivals won't be the same any more. Our sincere respect goes out to Carla and the kids. Peace. - Posted by: Derek and Rosh (Friends) on: Jun 13, 2019

• It saddens my heart to hear of Paul's passing. I met him when he first moved to the Yukon and renewed our meeting to a friendship and working relationship in 2016. Since that time, Paul was contracted on several bridge and highway reconstruction projects as the person in charge of making sure that we as contractors successfully met our environmental responsibilities in a meaningful and efficient manner. He was very good at working with the regulators, government and the contractor and other workers. Paul was knowledgeable and an invaluable resource when it came to the different environments of our construction projects. He never hesitated to help out when it came to physical work or to let you know that some changes had to be made to comply with commitments. As a person he was trustworthy with a good sense of humour and often spoke highly and fondly of his family and friends with his stories. I will miss Paul. - Posted by: Ruben Bicudo (Friend/co-worker) on: Jun 11, 2019

• We were shocked and saddened to hear of Paul’s passing. Our deepest condolences to Karla, their children and family members. Russ and Paul were childhood friends that reconnected many years later. Russ has many great memories of times spent with Paul, playing in the field snaring rabbits that Barb cooked, canoeing, and just hanging with such a bright spirit. Our home has Paul mementos around; carved stone owls, a smiling whalebone vertebrae, and Brenda still wears Paul’s early jewellery pieces 35 plus years later including a wooden bracelet that Paul made from an old oak fence post that is still on Brenda’s wrist. He was a free spirit and inspirational to all who met him. He was never judgmental and always accepting. He will be missed. - Posted by: Russ and Brenda Olson (Friends) on: Jun 10, 2019

• I was so saddened to hear about Paul's passing. Paul was a great friend to my oldest brother growing up at Winnitoba and he was always so much fun. He holds a very special spot in my heart as he was also so sweet to me. - Posted by: Mary Beazley (Friend) on: Jun 10, 2019

• Sorry to hear of Paul's passing. Condolences to Paul’s friends and family. A fellow Pegger who always had a smile on his face and time to share a few stories. - Posted by: Johnny (Marsh Lake resident ) on: Jun 09, 2019

• My deepest sympathy to you Karla, family and friends. May you be blessed with peace and strength during this difficult time. - Posted by: Cindy Vandale (Gunn) (Friend of Karla) on: Jun 08, 2019

• Paul and his family were neighbours while we attended junior high, high school and university. Paul had the most alive and bright eyes and an engaging smile that brightened any room he entered. I remember a kind, energetic and fun loving man. To my regret we lost contact over the years but will not forget the times playing pool in his South Drive basement and sharing thoughts and aspirations. Thoughts are with the extended family. - Posted by: Neil Taylor (Classmate) on: Jun 08, 2019

• I was so saddened to hear about Paul's passing. You could always be assured of a good time, lots of laughs and a number of great stories with Paul around! ("So that's how you came up with the name 'Loose Gravel' for your band, Paul!"). He was one of the first people I met when I moved to Manitoba in the '80's. I will always remember his good-natured personality! I will miss him! - Chris I have so many wonderful memories of Paul. He was loving, kind, generous and funny. Spending summers in the cottage beside the Sparling boys while we grew up was always fun! He will always have a special place in my heart and I will miss him dearly. - Mona - Posted by: Chris & Mona Maxfield (Friends) on: Jun 08, 2019

• We are so deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of our very dear friend Paul. We remember him as a talented woodcarver, a fisherman, and just an all around great guy. He was such a big part of our lives until his passion took him to the Yukon. One of Paul’s original carvings - a fish, has a prominent spot on our bookshelf and will always be treasured. Glenn, Cathie & Family - Posted by: Glenn & Cathie Peterson & Family (Friend) on: Jun 08, 2019

• I count Paul Sparling as an old, old friend of mine who I have not seen in 35 years. When I first heard of his passing and went looking for this obituary I didn't initially recognize him. Time does that. As I stared at the photo it slowly transformed itself into the fresh faced younger Paul I knew way back when. Yes, there he was at Florence Lake, down the basement with a pool cue in his hand, walking home from Massey. Big smile, big laugh. I am so glad to have known Paul and I pass on sincere condolences to all who loved him. - Posted by: Bob Martin (Friend) on: Jun 08, 2019

• I’m deeply saddened to hear this. Paul was an amazing spirit, a true friend and inspiration to anyone who met him. My sincerest condolences to the Sparling family - Posted by: Jack Greengrass (Friend) on: Jun 08, 2019