News clippings

Sproule Family - Newspaper clippings

Submitted by: Darlene (Watt) Lawlor - Email:  [email protected]   Posted: 1 April, 2003.

Forrest, Harold George

Peacefully at the Kingston General Hospital on Monday, May 15, 1989.  Harold Forrest, beloved husband of Myrtle Sproule.  Dear father of Joyce (Mrs. Cliff Marquette) of Kingston and Barbara (Mrs. John Yellowlee) of  Vancouver , B.C.  Also survived by five grandchildren and two treat grandchildren.  Interment was held at Glenhaven Memorial Gardens , Kingston .

Forrest, Myrtle Christina

Peacefully at her residence on Sunday, May 19, 1991, Myrtle Sproule, in her 83rd year, beloved wife of the late Harold Forrest, loving mother of Joyce (Mrs. Cliff Marquette) of Kingston; and Barbara (Mrs. John Yellowlee) of Vancouver, B.C.; dear grandmother of five grandchildren and three great grandchildren, sister of Elsie Joynt, Lawrence Sproule, Stella Shanks, Roy Sproule, Minerva Hannah, predeceased by Edward Sproule and Mary Kelford.  Friends will be received at the Gordon F. Tompkins Funeral Home, from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 p.m. , Tuesday.  Funeral service in Our Chapel on Wednesday, May 22 at 1:30 p.m.   Reverend Sam Fuller officiating.  Interment Glenhaven Memorial Gardens . 

Weeks – Hannah

Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Weeks of Belleville and Mr. and Mrs. Reg Hannah of Fallbrook announce the engagement of their children Shannon Lynn Weeks and Steven Bartiey Boyd Hannah.  The wedding will take place on September 9, 1995 at Bridge St. United Church in Belleville

Timothy Hannah

Graduation – Timothy Hannah, son of Reg and Sheila Hanna of Fallbrook graduated May 27 from Lakehead University , Thunder Bay with an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Sociology.

Adam Sproule Passes at Hinchinbrook

The death of Adam Sproule on December 18, 1958 , came as a great shock to Snow Road and the surrounding communities.  He was employed by the Hydro at Hinchinbrook at the time of his death. He had been at work as usual that day.  At supper in the evening he succumbed to a heart seizure.  He had celebrated his fiftieth birthday on December 7th. He is survived by one sister, (Maggie) Mrs. Love of Perth ; and four brothers, Bill of Woodstock, George of Peterboro, Charles and Tom of Lavant Station. The funeral was from the home of William Sargeant, where Adam had made his home for the past number of years. Rev. Duncan conducted the funeral service in Snow Road Presbyterian Church on Monday, December 22.  Entombment was in the community vault. Pallbearers were Roy Sproule, Lawrence Sproule, Earl Morrow, Robert Ryder, Harry Trombley and Neil Larock. Many beautiful floral tributes testifying to the esteem felt for the deceased were received.

Sproule, Clifford S.

At his residence, R.R.1, Ompah, on Tuesday, July 28, 1992 .  Clifford S. Sproule, in his 52nd year.  Husband of Nancy E. Duff.  Father of Jeffrey of Edmonton , Gregory of Smiths Falls, Cheryl Ann (Mrs. Brad Massey) of Perth and Angela (Mrs. Chris Babcock) of Kingston .  Predeceased by his son Phillip.  Son of the late Charles and Hilda Sproule.  Brother of Wilmer of Lanark, Doug of Ompah, Gerald of Fernleigh, Wilma (Mrs. Gordon Hermer) of Ardoch, Elaine (Mrs. Jim Creighton) of Watson’s Corners, Ella (Mrs. Cecil Cox) of Lavant Station, Nada (Mrs. Gordon Closs) of Lanark and Barbara (Mrs. Edward Milotte) of Almonte.  Grandfather of Joshua and Jeremy Sproule and Andrew Massey.  Friends may call at the Young Funeral Home, Lanark, on Thursday form 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. , where Funeral Service will be conducted on Friday, July 31, at 1:30 p.m.   Interment Lanark Village Cemetery .

Coral Sproule

Relatives and friends were saddened to hear of the death of Coral Sproule of Woodstock. She passed away in Woodstock hospital after a lengthy illness.   Coral was the youngest daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. William McDougall.  She grew up on a farm near Ompah, then moved with her parents to Lavant when they purchased the hotel there.  She married the late William Sproule, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Robert Sproule of Donaldson. She leaves to mourn her loss her daughter, Merla Palmer of Toronto , her son Carmen of Peterborough, and her sister Maxine Sproule of Perth . She was predeceased by her sisters, Maggie Campbell of Canonto, Theresa Cheetham of Perth , brothers Gordon of Oshawa and Ken of Fenelon Falls.

Edward J. Sproule

Sproule – At the GWM Hospital, on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 1951, Edward J. Sproule, beloved husband of Laura Kennedy, in his 49th year.

Harold Sproule

  Family and friends were saddened by the sudden death of Harold Wallace Sproule.  He passed away at Hotel Dieu Hospital , Kingston on Sunday, August 26th, 1984 , after a brief illness. Harold was born at Vankleek Hill , Ontario to Maxine Sproule and the late Thomas Sproule.  In 1937, the family moved to Lavant where he attended school.  He worked at Umpherson’s Sawmill at Lavant and Clyde Forks, also for Ontario Hydro.  He was employed at Rothwell’s Sawmill in Lanark where he had worked for the past three years.  He was well-known as a wood supplier for two local campsite parks and numerous area people. On February 16th, 1954 , he married Hilda Joan Craig who survives to mourn his passing.  He leaves a son and three daughters; Diane (Mrs. Brad O’Connor), Pickering; Tom, Lanark; June (Mrs. Peter Hall), Harper; Sandra, at home and four grandchildren (Stacey and Shawn O’Connor, Tim and Terry Hall); his mother, Mrs. Maxine Sproule of Perth, brothers and sisters; Mrs. Irene Rhodes, Newmarket; Wilmer, Perth; Mrs. Phyllis Deane, London; Elwood, Orillia; Floyd, Perth; Mrs. Helen Trombley, Orillia; Arnold, Pickle Lake; Mrs. Jean Barbary, Silver Lake; Mrs. Marg Inwood, Balderson; Mrs. Marion DuGray, Edmonton; Mrs. Carol Watt. Perth ; Mrs. Coral Somerville, Lanark and Mrs. Joan Jackson, McDonald’s Corners.  Predeceased by his father Thomas Sproule and brother Merlin. Friends were received at Young’s Funeral Home, Lanark.  Funeral service was held on Wednesday, August 29th in St. Andrew’s United Church .  Interment was in Pine Grove Cemetery .  Rev. Robert Condie officiated. Pallbearers were Don Rathwell, Leonard Craig, Wilmer Sproule, Ellard Linton, Raymond Arnott and Bill Lowery. Many floral tributes and donations were testimony to the highest esteem in which he was held. Harold will be sadly missed by his family and friends. Family and friends attended from Edmonton London, Orillia , Peterborough , Toronto , Pickle Lake and Ottawa .

Sproule, Hilda Grace

At her residence, R.R.1, Ompah , Ontario on Sunday, October 6, 1991 , Hilda Grace Johnston, in her 88th year.  Wife of the late Charles Sproule.  Beloved mother of Wilmer (Gretta) of Lanark, Wilma (Mrs. Gordon Hermer) of Ardoch, Ella (Mrs. Cecil Cox) of Lavant, Douglas of Ompah, Elaine (Mrs. Jim Creighton) of Watson’s Corners, Nada (Mrs. Gordon Closs) of Lanark, Clifford (Mary) of R.R.1, Ompah, Gerald (Carol) of Fernleigh, Barbara (Mrs. Everett Millotte) of Almonte and the late George.  Loved sister of Mabel Hermer of Ardoch and the late Marie Ducharme, Edna Hermer, Myrtle Cobus, Bill, Harold and Harry Johnston.  Sadly missed by her numerous grandchildren and great- grandchildren.  Friends may call at the Young Funeral Home, Lanark, from 2 to 9 p.m. Monday and in the United Church , Ompah Tuesday from 1 p.m. until service at 2 p.m.   Interment Ompah Cemetery .  In remembrance contributions to the Palliative Care Fund at the Great War Memorial Hospital , Perth would be appreciated.

Irene (Sproule) Rhodes

In loving memory of a dear daughter, sister, aunt and great-aunt, , who passed away August 5th, 1987 .

It is sad to walk the road alone

Instead of by your side

But to all there comes a moment

When the road of life divides.

Our thoughts are always with you

Your place no one can fill

In life we loved you dearly

In death we love you still.

Always loved but sadly missed, Mom, brothers, sisters.

Farrell (Sproule), Laura Virginia May

Peacefully, at Rideaucrest Home, Kingston , on Tuesday, March 2, 1994 , Laura Kennedy, in her 83rd year.  Beloved wife of the late Edward Sproule.  Dear mother of Lois and her husband John Drady, Bath; Joan and her husband Jess Crosbie, Flower Station; Bernard Sproule and his wife Dianne, Enterprise; Frances and her husband Morris Charby, Westport ; Aubrey Sproule and his wife Candy, Manitouwadge; Ruth Dowdall, Inverary.  Lovingly remembered by her 18 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren .  Sister of Joseph Kennedy and Viola Sproule, both of Perth .  Friends were received at the T. R. Duffus Chapel of the Gordon F. Tompkins Funeral Home, Kingston , on Thursday, March 3.  Mass of Christian Burial was held at Blessed Sacrament Church, Amherstview on Friday, March 4 at 11:00 a.m.   Interment:  Glenhaven Memorial Gardens , Glenburinie , Ontario .  As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to the Alzheimer’s Society would be appreciated by the family.

Sproule, Lawrence G.

In hospital, Perth , on Monday, December 2, 1991 .  Lawrence Graden Sproule, in his 87th year.  Beloved husband of Viola Kennedy.  Loved father of Elva (Mrs. Eldwin Tysick) of Perth .  Dear grandfather of David and his wife Marie, Janet and Paul Tysick, all of Perth .  Great-grandfather of Adam Tysick.  Brother of Mrs. Elsie Joynt of Perth, Mrs. Stella Shanks of Canonto, Mrs. Minerva Hannah of Dewitt’s Corners, Roy Sproule of Snow Road and the late Mrs. Myrtle Forrest, Mary Kelford and Ed Sproule.  Friends were received at the Blair and Son Funeral Home, Perth , where funeral services was conducted in the Chapel on Wednesday, December 4th at 11:00 a.m. followed by cremation.  In memoriam donations to the Victorian Order of Nurses or the Palliative Care Unit would be appreciated.

Maxine Sproule

Maxine Sproule, peacefully, surrounded by her family, entered into eternal rest at the GWM Hospital on January 8, 1994 . Born September 3, 1899 to the late William McDougall and Emma Cheetham at Ompah , Ontario , she was the sole surviving member of a family of six.  She was a sister to the late Gordon and Kenneth McDougall of Oshawa ; Theresa (Willard Chatham), Perth ; Coral (Bill Sproule), Woodstock , and Maggie (Bill Campbell), Canonto. She grew up in Ompah and attended school in the little school on the Ardoch road.  There she met and married Thomas Sproule in December of 1919.  Together they successfully raised 15 children; six sons and nine daughters. They made several moves around Ontario until 1938, when they purchased the farm at Lavant Station, where they lived for 14 years.  Tom worked away from the farm many times to help support the family, while Maxine managed children and chores.  There was always lots of hard work along with lots of fun and laughter.  Everyone did their share.  The girls will al remember this question – “Mom, can I punch down the bread dough?” Four sons and a daughter joined the military during the war years.  Wilmer spent six years in Germany and again in Korea along with Merlin with the U.N. Forces.  They were difficult years.  Maxine’s family were her pride and joy and her world revolved around them.  She had a super memory and remembered every child’s birthday.  She was a very independent lady and proved it, by moving into an apartment after Tom’s death in 1979.  They would have celebrated their 60th anniversary that year. She lived alone until a fall in late May 1993, when she fractured her hip.  After surgery at the Ottawa Civic Hospital she was returned to the GQM Hospital , where she remained until her death.  It was with great determination that she learned to use a walker and was able to help with her personal care.  She was determined never to be a burden to anyone. She was predeceased by Merlin, 1974; Harold, 1984; Wilmer, 1985; Irene, 1987; also two grandsons and one great-grandson.  Left to mourn her loss are Phyl (Jack) Deane, London; Ed (Winn), Orillia; Floyd (Eunice), Perth; Helen (Bert) Trombley, Orillia; Arnold (Marion), Westbrook; Jean (Ben) Barbary, Perth; Marg (Jack) Inwood, Perth; Marion (George) Kowal, Edmonton; Coral (Leonard) Somerville, Lanark; Carol (Jack) Watt, Perth; Joan (John) Jackson, McDonald’s Corners.  Daughters-in-law – Hilda (Harold), Lanark and Orpha (Wilmer), Perth .  Also 55 grandchildren, 84 great-grandchildren and ten great-great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held from Blair and Son Funeral Home and Chapel with interment in Pine Grove Cemetery .  Pallbearers were six grandsons – Barry Sproule, Wayne Barbary, Brent Inwood, Greg Somerville, Steve Watt and Remi Trombley.  Flower bearers were Brad Jackson and Jeffrey Sproule.  The many floral arrangements and donations to the Canadian Cancer Society and the Heart & Stroke Foundation, the generosity to Tyler Monnink’s fund, is testimony to the love and esteem in which Maxine was held.  Maxine’s legacy of love will live on for many generations.  There was a most loving and precious mother and will never be forgotten.

Sproule, Maxine

At the Great War Memorial Hospital on Saturday, January 8,, 1994 , Maxine McDougal, in her 95th year.  Beloved wife of the late Thomas Sproule,  Much loved mother of Phyl (Jack) Deane of London; Ed (Winn) of Orillia; Floyd (Eunice) of Perth; Helen (Bert) Trombley of Orillia; Arnold (Marion) of Westbrook; Jean (Ben) Barbary of Perth; Marg (Jack) Inwood of Perth; Marion (George) Kowal of Edmonton, Alberta; Coral (Leonard) Somerville of Lanark; Carol (Jack) Watt of Perth; Joan (Johnny) Jackson of McDonald’s Corners.  Predeceased by sons Merlin, Harold and Wilmer, daughter Irene Rhodes, grandsons Bob Rhodes and Kevin DuGray and great-grandson Kevin Hart.  Left to mourn her loss are 55 grandchildren 84 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren.  Friends may call at the Blair & Son Funeral Home, Perth ; on Monday form 2 to 9 p.m.   Interment Pinegrove Cemetery .  In memoriam donations to a special trust fund for Tyler Monnink, Maxine’s great-grandson would be greatly appreciated.

Merlin Sproule

Sproule – In loving memory of a dear son Merlin Sproule, who died suddenly December 1st, 1974 .

Down the path of memories

We gently tread today

Our loving thoughts are with you

As life goes on its way

We often talk about you

With love and sad regret

For those who loved you dearly,

Never will forget.

Sadly missed by Mom, brothers and sisters.

Sproule

Sproule – At Perth, on Thursday, Nov. 9, 1950, to Mr. and Mrs. Roy Sproule, Donaldson, Ont., a daughter.

Thomas Sproule

Sproule – In loving memory of a dear husband, father and grandfather, Thomas Sproule who passed away April 30, 1979 .

He is gone but not forgotten,

and so dawns another year,

in my lonely hours of thinking,

thoughts of him are near.  

Days of sadness will come o’re me,

many think the would is healed,

but they little know the sorrow,

that lies in the heart concealed.

Lovingly remembered, sadly missed by wife Maxine and family.

Sproule, Thomas

Sproule:  In loving memory of a dear husband and father, Tom, who passed away April 30, 1979 . 

My thoughts are always with you. 

Your place no one can fill. 

In life I loved you dearly

In death I love you still

I know you walk beside me

And when my life is through

I pray that God will take my hand

And lead me straight to you.

Lovingly remembered by wife Maxine and family.

Sproule, Wilfred John

In hospital, Perth , on Thursday, April 8, 1999 , Wilfred J. Sproule of Ompah, in his 61st year.  Beloved husband of Tharen Anne (Conlon) Sproule.  Dear father of Sandra (Ted) Quinn of RR6, Perth ,  Wilfred will be sadly missed by his grandchildren Jesse and Sarah Quinn; his mother, Marguerite (late William) Sproule of Ompah and his sister Shirley (Don Kearney) Miller of Smiths Falls.  Friends paid their respects at the Blair and Son Funeral Home, Perth .  Funeral service was held in the chapel on Monday, April 12 at 11 am .  In remembrance, contributions to the Diabetes Society would be appreciated.

Mr. William Sproule Laid to Rest

After a lengthy illness there passed away at his home, on June 18, 1959 , 4 miles west of Snow Road, William Sproule, in his 80th year. He was born in Ireland on Aug. 12th, 1879 , son of the late Robert Sproule and his wife Isabella Funsion.  He came to Canada at the age of 4 years. He was married at Ompah, December 3rd, 1900 , to Emma Ellen Ryder.  He was of a quiet disposition, a lover of home life, and deeply devoted to his family. Surviving besides his wife are five daughters (Elsie) Mrs. Hilliard Joynt, Perth; (Myrtle) Mrs. Harold Forrest, Kingston; (Mary) Mrs. Sam Kelford, Scotch Line; (Stella) Mrs. Allen Shanks, Cononto; (Minerva) Mrs. Howard Hannah, Cornwall and two sons Lawrence, Perth and Roy at home.  One son predeceased him, August 1st, 1951 .  He leaves twenty-five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. The body rested at his late residence until Saturday afternoon when Rev. A. Duncan conducted the funeral service in the Presbyterian Church at Snow Road .  Interment in Crawford's Cemetery. The pallbearers were four nephews, George, John, Robert and Harry Ryder, Wm. Sargeant and Harry Trombley. The many beautiful floral tributes, Bible Society cards, budget cards and sympathy cards received testify the high esteem in which deceased was held.  All donations of money received will be forwarded to the cancer clinic.

Mrs. William Sproule

The angel of death came into our community and claimed our oldest and most respected person, Emma Ellen Ryder, youngest daughter of the late John Ryder and Christina Campbell.  Emma was the youngest of five children who have all predeceased her; three sisters and one brother. She was born in Palmerston Township , at a place called Donaldson, now Snow Road , on August 8, 1883 , and she lived within a few miles of where she was born, all her life.  Her son Roy now lives on the family farm. Mrs. Emma E. Sproule died at the home of her daughter in Kingston on Thursday, February 12, 1981 in her 98th year. On December 3, 1900 , Emma Ellen Ryder was united in marriage to Wm. Sproule who predeceased her in June 1959.  To this union were born nine children.  One died in infancy.  Left to mourn the loss of a loving mother are:  Mrs. Elsie Joynt; Myrtle (Mrs. Harold Forrest), Kingston ; Stella (Mrs. Allan Shanks), Ompah; Minerva (Mrs. Howard Hannah), DeWitts Corners; Lawrence of Perth; Roy of Snow Road.  Predeceased by son Edward in 1951, and daughter Mary (Mrs. Sam Kelford) in 1960.  Also survived by 25 grandchildren and 55 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews. The funeral was held at Blair & Sons Funeral Chapel, Perth , on Saturday, February 14.  Mr. J. O. Forrester of McDonald’s Corners conducted the funeral service which was largely attended.  Interment was in Crawford Cemetery .  The pallbearers were six grandsons, Reginald Shanks, Lional Joynt, Alvin Kelford, Douglas Tysick, Murray Elliott, Gary Conboy. The many words of condolence, floral tributes, and donations to charity attested to the esteem in which she was held.  Mrs. Sproule was a very cheerful person, always willing to lend a helping hand.  And she really enjoyed having her family and her many friends at her home.

Blessed are they who die in the Lord

Yea with the spirit that they may

Rest from their daily labours.

Sproule, Emma Ellen

Sproule – At the residence of her daughter, Kingston , Ont. On Thursday, February 12, 1981 Emma Ellen Ryder, wife of the late William Sproule.  In her 98th year.

Sproule

Sproule – To Mr. and Mrs. Wilmer Sproule, Lanark, Ont., on June 17, 1958 , a son.

Wilmer Kenneth Sproule

Sproule, Wilmer Kenneth – entered into rest at G.W.M. Hospital after a brief illness on June 2, 1985 . Born June 23, 1922 at Canonto , Ontario to Maxine McDougall and the late Thomas Sproule.  Married in 1946 to Orpha Cox whom he leaved to mourn his loss along with three daughters and two sons, Yvonne (Mrs. Orrin Splane), Edmonton , Sharon (Mrs. Herb Pietrowski), Calgary , Debbie of Edmonton, David and Douglas of Ottawa.  He was also proud grandpa of six grandchildren, Karen and Julie Splane, Joshua and Paul Pietrowski and Corey and Darren Sproule.  He also leaves nine sisters and three brothers to mourn his loss and was predeceased by two brothers. He served 18 years in the Canadian Armed Services, six years Overseas in World War II, one year in Korea under United Nations, the remaining years in Canada .  Also 12 years with Ontario Hydro (Const).  In 1984 he joined the Ottawa District of The Canadian Corps of Commissionaires where he worked until he took ill. Funeral services were held at Blair and Son Funeral Home, Interment Elmwood Cemetery . Pallbearers were six nephews, Barry Sproule, Ken Sproule, Rick Barbary, Clifford Cox, Steve Watt and Dave Inwood. The many floral arrangements and donations to G.W.M. building fund and Heart Foundation were testimony to the highest esteem which he was held. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Sproule, Wilmer K.

Sproule, Wilmer K. – In hospital, Perth, Ontario, on Sunday, June 2, 1985, Wilmer Kenneth Sproule.  In his 63rd year.  Beloved husband of Orpha Cox.  Dear father of Yvonne (Mrs. Orrin Splane) of Edmonton, Douglas and David of Ottawa, Sharon (Mrs. Herb Pietrowski) of Calgary, Debbie Sproule of Edmonton,  Son of Maxine and the late Thomas Sproule.  Dear brother of Irene Rhodes of Newmarket, Phyllis (Mrs. Jack Bean) of London, Elwood or Orillia, Floyd of Perth, Helen (Mrs. Bert Trombley) of Orillia, Marion DuGray of Edmonton, Margaret (Mrs. Jack Inwood), of Perth, Jean (Mrs. Ben Barbary) of Silver Lake, Coral (Mrs. Leonard Sommerville) of  Lanark, Carol (Mrs. Jack Watt) Perth, Arnold of Harrowsmith, Joan (Mrs. John Jackson), McDonald’s Corners.  Also survived by six grandchildren.  Predeceased by brothers Merlin in 1974 and Harold in 1984.  Friends were received in the Blair & Son Funeral Home, Perth from 2 – 9 p.m. on Tuesday, June 4,  Service was conducted in the chapel on Wednesday, June 5 at 1:30 p.m.   Interment:  Elmwood Cemetery .

Sproule

Sproule – in memory of our loved ones who are gone to rest – mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Emma Sproule, who passed away Feb. 12, 1981; Father, William, June 28, 1959; sister, Mary E. (Mrs. Sam Kelford), May 28, 1960; brother, Edward J. Sproule, Aug. 1, 1951.

Many a lonesome hour is spent,

Many a silent tear is shed,

For those we love so dear.

For memory is a golden chain

That never can be broken.

Lovingly remembered by your daughter, Elsie and your families and grandchildren.