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James Wallace Sparling
1934-2020
The family will receive condolences at the: BROME-MISSISQUOI Funeral Complex 215 River Street, Bedford, Qc 450.248-2911 Friday September 18th 2020 from 7 to 10 and Saturday September 19th from 2 to 5 pm. A service to celebrate Wally’s life will be held at a later date.
James Wallace Sparling It is with great sadness that the family announces that The Venerable James Wallace “Wally” Sparling, 86, resident of Mystic, passed away peacefully in Bedford on September 3rd. Wally was born in Thorne, Quebec on May 10, 1934 to James Roy and Agnes Marjorie (Wallace) Sparling. He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years Dawn (nee Buckland), children Kent (Liz), Kelly Torck (James), and Shane, honorary daughter Deborah MacFarlane (Bob), grandchildren Alex, Abigail, Christopher, Phoenix, Noah, Ella, Amanda and Kevin MacFarlane, sisters Edna Monahan (late Al) and Hilda Pincoe (late Ron), many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by sister Lois Bertrand (late Alec) and brother Norris (Doreen). Wally grew up in Campbell’s Bay, Quebec, attending high school in Shawville. “Gopher” drove bus for McGahern’s until he was old enough to actually get his licence and found more interesting things to do. After high school he sold vacuum cleaners, worked as a bank teller, and for Canada Customs in Ottawa and then Montreal. Wallace was always active in the Anglican Church and was a long-time lay reader at St George’s in Campbell’s Bay before deciding his calling was to become a priest. He attended Montreal Diocesan Theological College, from 1961-1966. While serving as curate at St. Paul’s, Lachine, he met a “quiet” little member of the parish who would become his wife in 1966 (she claims this was her reward for going to church and teaching Sunday School). Wallace was ordained Deacon in Montreal by Bishop Maguire in 1966 and Priest in 1967. He served as Assistant Curate at St. Paul’s, Greenfield Park from 1966 to 1968 when he became Rector of the Parish of Bedford/St. Armand West. He then served at St. Mark’s, St. Laurent 1973-1979, and was Regional Dean of Royalmount 1975-1979. He became Rector of Nelsonville (Cowansville) in 1979 until 1984, then served the Parish of Bedford/St. Armand West 1984-1993 and was Archdeacon of Bedford from 1979-1993. In 1993, he became Executive Archdeacon of the Diocese until his “retirement” in 1997, when he continued helping wherever he was needed including taking services at parishes such as Otterburn Park, Dunham, Frelighsburg, and Swanton, VT. He also served as Padre to the Legions in Philipsburg and Cowansville, the Korea Veteran’s Association, and the Montreal War Amps. Over the years he also served as Chaplain at Massey-Vanier High School, the Cowansville Penitentiary, and the Brome-Mississquoi-Perkins Hospital. He and Dawn fell in love with the Townships during their first incumbency in Bedford, and, already planning for retirement, started building a house in Mystic with the help of family and many friends. A labour of love, Wadakesh became the family’s center throughout the years and different parish assignments. Wally had a passion for his family, his community and his faith. He loved his country music, winning at Euchre and a good Scotch (preferably at the same time). He enjoyed playing golf, tennis and hockey, and watching pretty much any sport. He had a mischievous sense of humour to which his grandchildren can attest. He was available to help with any task at any time, be it firefighting, cattle wrangling, barn roofing, or simply being present at a time of need. His warmth was felt and appreciated by many. The family wants to thank the amazing staff at CHSLD Bedford for their loving care and attention. Donations can be made in his honour to La Fondation Lévesque-Craighead or the charity of your choice.
Leave a Testimony Send Flowers Make a DonationTestimonial(s)
Nicole Veillette
2022-09-05
Condoleances to the family and friends. Another Super human being, always putting the well being of others before his. Another angel now , to keep an eye on us. R.I.P. reverend.
Leon & Flora Guthrie
2021-04-17
Finally we can express our deepest sorrow for your loss. He will be remembered for his compassion to others, and will be missed so much. Take care Dawn.
Karen Potvin Sutton
2020-10-13
My deepest sympathies to all the family. He has earned his wings in heaven.
Marilyn Brownrigg
2020-10-12
My sincerest sympathy to Dawn and family. Wally was always such a vibrant presence and will be missed by all who knew him.
Leon & Flora Guthrie
2020-09-19
We are very sad as he was a savoir to us. Our thoughts are with you Dawn & all the family. He is with the angels now. May he rest in peace.
Gilles, Mona & Nancy Labonté
2020-09-18
Our deepest condolences to Dawn and the family
Marlene Fournier
2020-09-17
My deepest sympathies to the family. Reverend Sparling presided over my mother's funeral in 2009. He was someone who had much empathy.
Francine Piette and Timothy Burnham
2020-09-17
Our deepest sympathy to the family.
Madelyn & Jean Maurice Bedard.
2020-09-16
It was always fun to meet up with you both.Wally and Jean Maurice would always joke around.He will be greatly missed.Our most sincere sympathy to your family.Stay strong Dawn.
Marjo Hébert et Roger Parent
2020-09-16
Dawn and family, Please accept our deepest condolences. for your loss. We know that Wally will be missed by so many people. He was a great person.
Yolande et Pierre
2020-09-16
Sincères condoléances à la famille.
Andrew Buckland
2020-09-15
For me Uncle Wally was the epitome of love. As a kid going to see uncle Wally for any reason meant the dreaded "Bear Hug"! He would wrap his arms around us kids and squeeze the breathe from us. It almost instilled a fear of nearly being crushed to death. As an adult I always looked forward to them. The Uncle Wally hugs were to me his way of giving his love directly into your core and taking away any pain you might have. Over the years he has met many of my close friends and each and everyone of them speaks of his loving hugs. My uncle Wally was an amazing man and father and uncle. He completed a trifecta that most men can only dream of attaining. Love you uncle Wally . I will always miss you xox
Hugh and Margaret MacFarlane
2020-09-14
To Dawn and family. So sorry that Wally has passed. He will be sadly missed by all. Both St George's and St Matthias in Montreal were praying for him on Sunday. Rember having such an interesting conversation with him at one of the recent Canada Day parties. He is now at peace in God's loving care free of all illness. Our Deeoest Sympathy, Hugh, Margaret, John and Jennifer.
Jeannie Ball
2020-09-14
My condolences to Dawn and the family. He was a great man and will be sorely missed!
Father Rob Spainhour
2020-09-13
Dear Wally and Dawn are the backbones of our 8 o'clock service at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Swanton, VT. They have been for years. There I could always count on Dawn to serve, and, until recently, Wally as well--for a surprise blessing or dismissal. He was a good sport being asked on the spot! . Each Sunday, weather and border permitting, I looked out to see Wally and Dawn in the front pew--always ready to give me a hug and word of encouragement. Wally would listen carefully should I share a need or concern, and always had kind, wise advice. He was the consummate Priest in every meaning of the word. With years of service ahead of mine, he was always deeply respectful of me and my ministry. That is the kind of man, Christian, and Priest he was. Frankly knowing another Clergy family was with me was so deeply reassuring. That would not always be the case but emphatically so with Wally and Dawn. I developed a love for them immediately. And while I know with whom Wally rests, my heart breaks that his smiling face on the front, right pew won't be there to give subtle encouragement and always leading congregational voices from he and Dawn. ( I know Dawn will continue the tradition.) Since I know the veil between the living and those gone is thin, I think I'll still chat talk with him now and again. Yes, I'm sure I will. Love, Fr. Rob+
Diane Chaffee
2020-09-13
Dear Dawn & Family, I?m so sorry of the passing of Wally. Even though I didn?t know him for very long, he made me feel like I knew him forever. I always looked forward to seeing his beautiful smiling face, and caring heart on Sunday mornings. I certainly will miss him. He left a footprint in my heart forever. Dawn and Wally were a beautiful couple one to admire and appreciate, true love forever. Until we see you again, Rest In Peace. ??
Eddy & Gloria Rolland
2020-09-13
Our sympathies to the family. He will be greatly missed
Elleen Gage and Yvon Larocque
2020-09-13
Our sympathies to the family
Dorothy Wootton
2020-09-13
Wally was certainly a gift from God and it was my pleasure to have been able to work with him.
Brenda Lee Bockus
2020-09-12
My sympathies to Dawn and family. My God Bless you all and may god give you strength at this time. Wally was an amazing person and I was blessed to know him and his family. May you Rest In Peace Wally <><
Andrew Buckland
2020-09-11
The hugs! For those of you who knew my uncle Wally but never had the extreme pleasure of his massive bear hugs you all missed out on what I can only say is the epitome of his love for his family. As a young boy I used to be scared of the hug that I knew was coming everything we saw him. Yet with that fear of the power of the hug I also anticipated them and loved them. Uncle Wally would squeeze us kids to a point of breathlessness which I now know transferred his love for us to every part of our being. I will miss my uncle deeply.
Marie-Claire Lajoie
2020-09-11
Mes sympathies Dawn et à toute la famille.
Madeleine Dubois
2020-09-11
Deepest sympathy to the family
Claire Lussier
2020-09-11
Mes sympathies à toutes la famille et spécialement a Shane xx
Natalie & Wally Good
2020-09-10
deep sympathy to Dawn & family. Wally was such a devout man. It was a treat to have his officiate and preach now & then. When Dawn attended a monthly meeting after the 8 o'clock eucharist, Wally would sit in the car & pray his prayer list- right after he had attended a church service. May he rest in peace & rise in glory.
Loraine Benoit et Pierre Morissette
2020-09-10
Our deepest condolences to all the family and specially to Shane.
Colin and Louise Gage
2020-09-10
Our sincere sympathy to you Dawn and the entire family. Take care.
Myrene and Dawn Creller
2020-09-10
Our condolences to the the family. Wally always had a smile and a joke for everyone, It is with a heavy heart that we mourn his passing.
Rob & Amy Giroux and Joe
2020-09-10
Dawn, Our thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time. I will miss my hugs at 8:00 service and his sense of humor. You are all in our prayers.
Sandra Whittaker
2020-09-10
Was very sad to hear of Mr. Sparling's passing. We have find memories of your time in Greenfield Park and also, our visits when you first moved to Bedford. Our sympathies to the family....Heaven is a better place now....
Tammy Farr
2020-09-10
Fr. Wally was one of the first people I met when we started attending Holy Trinity. When I first met him, I didn't realize he was marred as I was yet to meet the beautiful Dawn. When he came down off the alter to pass the Peace and he and Dawn kissed on the lips, I thought he was pretty progressive. I will miss his soft spoken words and his comforting smile. We all will at Holy Trinity. Thoughts and prayers to Dawn and family. It will be a wonderful day when I can express my condolences to you in person.
Dora Shepard
2020-09-09
My sincere sympathy Dawn and family. He always had a smile for everyone . Memories will get you through this sad time . Dora
Myene and Dawn Crelller
2020-09-09
Our sincere condolences to the Sparling family.. He always had a smile and a joke for everyone. . Our prayers are with the family.
odette dion-sanborn
2020-09-08
sincere condoleances ti his family
Jim and Sharon Pincoe
2020-09-08
Our sincerest condolences
Lise et René Choinière
2020-09-08
Nos sincères condoléances à toute la famille !
Andy & Kim McEwen
2020-09-08
Our condolences to Dawn, the kids and extended family. I still think of Dawn and Wally every morning, thanks to the beautiful stained glass window/mirror (a wedding present from 29 years ago) that is hanging where it is very prevalent. The memories of growing up with Wally in my life will be cherished.
Ed snd Helen Terrill
2020-09-08
Our thoughts are with Dawn and family at this difficult time. Wally was so kind and caring to our entire family when we were in Cowansville and Bedford. Was always there for us and saw us through some difficult times. Ed and Helen Terrill and our 3 girls.
John Craighead
2020-09-08
As for many, Wally had an incredible impact on my life in all respects. I try to follow his christian teachings in my life though not always entirely successfully. But, even then, I`m helped by life lessons that Wally taught by example: nobody`s perfect, a joke helps, and just try to do better. I`m awed (but not surprised) that Wally never lost sight of these things even as his life became more challenging. Wally was more than a spiritual leader, he was a friend, comforter and all around great person. We were blessed to have had him all these years.
Carole st ongle tougas
2020-09-07
Mes symphaties à vous tous surtout à toi Shake xxx
Arnold Godsoe
2020-09-07
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, sorry to hear that Wally has died. A gentleman for sure, and one you could trust and depend on. May he Rest In Peace and Rise in Glory.
John & Deanna Edwards
2020-09-07
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Dawn as you navigate the coming days and weeks. Wally was a kind, sensitive man who gave a nice hug. We will all miss seeing him in the front row at 8:00, while you were flitting around. Hope the border will open soon and we?ll be together again.
Linda and Jeff Bromby
2020-09-07
A nice man and former neighbour. Our sympathies to the family.
Bill and Andree McEwen
2020-09-07
Our condolences to Dawn, the kids and extended family. I have many fond memories with Wally,Dawn and the Kids growing up. I remember being pranked by Wally many times while building Wadakesh, but helping him out was always a pleasure, the same as he got pleasure from helping so many others. Our memories of him will live with all of us forever, Until we meet again Wally.
Chuck & Johanne Bergeron
2020-09-07
Wally was made of kindness and caring. He will be sorely missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Norman and Geraldine Jourdenais
2020-09-07
Our deepest sympathy Dawn and family. He was a great friend and minister. He will be greatly missed.
Darlene Campbell
2020-09-07
Very sad to hear of Wally's passing. Sincere condolences to Dawn and family.
Joanne Swift
2020-09-07
Uncle Wallace was a great man, minister and uncle. He resided over Dave and my marriage, as he did for many families members. One of my fondest memories is when I went to his 50th wedding anniversary. Afterwards we went back to his home, which has a name Wadakesh. He was very proud to show me around a d give the details on how and when everything was lovingly built by himself and the family. Another memory of him stealing our dessert at the family dinners so I licked my brownie so he wouldn?t take it ( if you know me and chocolate you will understand that I had to do it). Love you always Uncle Wallace, I know that you have gained your angel wings, fly free and enjoy the euchre in heaven as you did on earth.
Dave and Mary Wood
2020-09-06
Dearest Dawn and Family, Words cannot express how sadden we are for losing such a valued member of our spiritual family. Fr. Wally was a rock! We were so fortunate to have him walk with us as our children and grandchildren have grown up in Holy Trinity. The SPARLING?s are truly gifts fro God! Much love to the whole Sparling Family as you celebrate the life of this gentle God Loving Man!???
Linda Maloney
2020-09-06
Dawn, I weep with you and your family, from far away in California. I was so looking forward to escaping back home to Vermont and substituting for Rob when he finally takes his sabbatical, expecting I would see you and Wally in the front pew. I'll miss Wally, but I hope I'll see you when we can hug again. Many blessings, and God's love be with you! Linda+
Jim and Mary White
2020-09-06
Dawn and Family, So very sorry to learn of Wally?s passing. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Henry & Sibby
2020-09-06
Sincere condolences to Dawn and family. Wally was much loved by all who knew him and will be missed.
Ron and Millie Martin
2020-09-06
Our sympathy to Dawn and family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Reid And Dale
2020-09-06
Know how very much we love you, and that we are holding you and your sweet family in our hearts and in our prayers.
Sandy Hersey
2020-09-06
I wish I had the words to make it easier for Dawn and all the family of the wonderful man who taught me how to air kiss properly. That will be one of my treasured memories. Love to you all.
Danny corey
2020-09-05
Sincere sympathy to all the family! He was a great man!
Evelyn Caldwell
2020-09-05
My deepest sympathy to Dawn and the family. He will be greatly missed by all.
Penny Wellar
2020-09-05
Dearest Dawn and family. My heart is heavy with this sad news but remembering your bound the two of you had. I am so proud to remember and being part of your special day, the day of your wedding 54 years ago. I am so grateful to reunite on Facebook and to share your journey through the golden years of retirement. May you find comfort with your family close at hand and may these 54 + year be held close to your heart for ever. Love you dear friend. ??
Bob Lina Kimmell
2020-09-05
sorry for your loss Dawn and family take care
Jean
2020-09-05
He was always there if we needed him
Donna
2020-09-05
Heaven has gained another angel, watch over us all You where such a kind man, and will be missed xox
June & Vel Bird
2020-09-05
Our deepest condolences to Dawn, Kent Kelly and Shane Wally was loved throughout the community, he will be very missed .
Gary Woolmer
2020-09-05
So sad! My condolences to the family. Only fond memories of Wally. I can still see him with elbows up in the corner at the old arena! Not a good man but a great human being. The world needs more Wally?s. Until we meet again...
Kathy Edwards
2020-09-05
My family was blessed to have received your love and compassion over many decades. Wally was truly a shining star and his presence in all of our lives will be missed. The Anglican section of heaven has received an amazing soul. I?m sure Jean will have by now connected Wally with Paddy and they are enjoying heavenly cups of tea with the saints.
Darlene Campbell
2020-09-05
It is with great sadness I am learning of The Venerable "Wally" Sparling's passing. I have such fond memories of my time attending Saint James Church and knowing him and his family .I was thankful in 2010 that he was able to conduct my Mother's funeral service. Dawn, Kent, Kelly , Shane and all your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Bertrand Déry
2020-09-05
Sympathy to his family , he was always ready to help and make you laugh, we will miss him a lot.
Karan
2020-09-05
I am so sorry for your loss...I will miss him and his sense of humor.
Michael Sparling
2020-09-05
My uncle was a great man. He was always kind always smiling and always loving. He was quick with a joke and very witty. I know he was an arch Deacon but to me he was just a great uncle. I love him very much as I do all of the Sparling?s. I have not seen you enough. Let?s change that. My house is always open.??
Claire Smith
2020-09-05
My sincere condolences To Dawn and the family. Claire Smith, Guelph
Wendy and Eric
2020-09-05
Our sincere sympathy to you, Dawn, and to all the family. We have many warm memories of good times spent together, and pray that your own good memories will give you some comfort during this difficult time. Rest assured that our thoughts and prayer are with you all.
Shelley Williams
2020-09-05
Dear Miss Dawn, so sorry for your loss, sending all my love and thoughts to you and your family during this difficult time..
Sheila Perry
2020-09-04
Was saddened to hear of Rev. Sparling's passing.He was a gentle and gifted human being, always there to help in any way he could. Heartfelt sympathies to Dawn, Shane and family.
Laurie Robinson & Todd Ingalls
2020-09-04
So very sorry for your loss. We enjoyed many good chats with Rev. Sparling, and the odd party at the Hobb?s. Our most sincere condolences to the family. Love Todd, Laurie, Baylee & Madison Xox
Marcel et Micheline Beaudoin
2020-09-04
Sincères condoléances to you Shane and yor entire family ...
Brian & Carolyn Bowen
2020-09-04
Our Deepest Sympathy is extended to Dawn and the Sparling family.He truly touched many lives.....
Shari soule
2020-09-04
My deepest sympathies to his family and friend may he R.I.P
Alfons and Petra Stroebele
2020-09-04
Our deepest sympathies to the entire Sparling family.
Andrew& Lisa Kemp
2020-09-04
Condolences to the Sparling extended Family. I had the honor of Mr Sparling Performing my Baptism and several years later my confirmation. Always friendly to be around when Shane And I used to hang out. He was also a great source of comfort to Lisa when her grandmother passed.
Wayne and Julie Kemp
2020-09-04
We send our sincerest sympathy to Dawn and the Sparling family. Please know you are in our thoughts at this sad time.
Richard & Margaret (Johnson) Lacroix
2020-09-04
Such a nice man. Sincere sympathy to the family. R.I.P.