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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News Record, 2015-06-03, Page 3Grant Rufus Sparling: A legacy remembered and an example to follow Laura Broadley Clinton News Record Grant Rufus Sparling passed away surrounded by family on May 13 at the Clin- ton Public Hospital. He was 91 -years -old. Sparling held many titles in his life. He won awards and was honoured with dis- tinctions given only to those most revered. A reluctance to put just one single title to the name of a man, not only well known, but well loved by those who came into contact with him. Spading was born in Plymp- ton Township, Ontario to a large farm family where he leamed the value of hard work. The work ethic imprinted on young Sparling never left as it was evident through all his future endeavors. Sparling first got a job in 1941 at the Bank of Com- merce in Forest but soon vol- unteered for service in the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps from 1943 to 1946. In 1951 he moved back to his beloved Blyth after buying a hardware store. Never one to sit a let things happen, he made things happen - often spending evenings showing farmers his products. After meeting and getting married to Mildred in 1959 the couple continued to focus on the expanding busi- ness. Sparling's Propane was one of those expansions and soon came to, in part, define the Sparling legacy. North Huron Mayor Reeve Vincent remembers Spar- ling's dedication to the municipality. Sparling was an active member of the Blyth community. He gave his time to the United Church, Blyth Board of Trade, the Lions Club and he supported the Blyth Festival to name a few. Vincent remembers when Sparling would donate his time and would fund differ- ent projects that were needed in the community without fanfare. It was his genuine care for the community that touched Vincent. "He really liked to see a community prosper," Vin- cent said. Sparling was grateful for his successes in business but he was always appreciative of the people who worked for him. He wanted his accom- Contributed photo Grant Rufus Sparling receiving his Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012. He passed away on May 13. 2015. plishments to benefit every- one, to spur further opportu- nities, Vincent remembers. Vincent believes Sparling left behind a legacy of com- mitment and a family that carries the name and the essence that goes with it. "In sons Steven and David, as different as they are, are definitely Grant's sons," Vin- cent said. Sparling's commitment to his community was never more present for Reverend Gary Clark as when he spoke to Sparling about the future. He never doubted the poten- tial of Blyth, he championed entrepreneurship and believed that Blyth had a lot to offer. "Not only did he see the potential of Blyth but he wanted to add to the poten- tial. A lot of people tallc a good talk but Grant walked the walk of being a booster for his com- munity," Clark remembers. Sparling was a warm and honest person who never hesitated to lend a helping hand to projects and causes he believed in. "His word was his bond," said Clark. "He said what he meant and meant what he said" For 32 years Sparling served as a firefighter and captain with the Blyth & Dis- trict Fire Department. Clark believes it was Spar- ling's firefighter mentality to jump right in and help with what is needed. He set examples and standards of excellence for others in many aspects of his life. "For those of us that knew Grant know that it's up to us now. He has handed the torch on to the next generation of leaders. The example is there, the faith in the community is there. We stand on the shoul- ders of giants," he said. Jackson Hivert, 4, cheered on his duck with a handmade sign. Photos by Laura Broadley Clinton News Record The Bayfield Optimists presented the 17th annual rubber duck race at the Bayfield South Pier on May 17. The first prize of a BBQ was donated by the Bayfield Garage. Second prize was a BMX bike donated by Outside Projects and friends of the Optimists. Third prize was a WORX Whipper Snigger donated by John Bettridge. Fourth prize was Next Book 8 tablet donated by Brian Coombs of Re/ Max. Fifth prize was donated by the Albion Hotel for an overnight stay and breakfast. MUNICIPALITY OF BLUEWATER NOTICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTRE STORMWATER MASTER PLAN SERVICING STUDY (COMMUNITY OF BAYFIELD) AND MAIN STREET RECONSTRUCTION PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTRE The Municipality of Bluewater recently developed a Stormwater Servicing Master Plan for the Bayfield settlement area. The plan provided recommendations for a stormwater servicing strategy that will be implemented in phases within the established areas of Bayfield, as well as recommending best practises and strategies for addressing stormwater servicing within future development areas of the community. The first project identified through the Master Plan was the reconstruction of historic Main Street, including upgraded stormwater drainage and streetscape. A public information session is planned to present details on the Master Plan and the proposed Main Street design. Representatives of the Municipality and the Project Engineers will be in attendance. DATE: Wednesday June 10, 2015 LOCATION: Bayfield Community Centre TIME: 7:00 pm — 8:30 pm PRESENTATION: 7:30• pm I; Mr' LLD!}YJ,IIYIF BLUEWATER CILH 11110 ROSS Wednesday, June 3, 2015 • News Record 3 Live harness racing at Clinton Raceway was cancelled this past Sunday. Due to torrential rains the evening before, and with no sign of it letting up, officials were forced to postpone the afternoon card of live racing. The 35th Annual Charity Driver's Challenge event will be rescheduled, and tickets for the Royal Canadian Legion Fundraising dinner will be honoured at that time. Once a date is confirmed, the public will be notified. The annual fundraiser has helped raise over $280,000 for local groups and clubs. There will be no live racing this Sunday as the Clinton Spring Fair rolls into town. Come out and enjoy this great community event from June 4-7. Live harness racing will return to the Huron County oval on Sunday June 14 with a post time of 1:30pm. Clinton Raceway is inviting all Fanshawe College Alumni to attend an on track event, tickets are $15 and include lunch, program and much more. For more information please visit www.clintonraceway.com. All those attending the races will have the chance to win 2 tickets to see Shania Twain live in London on Saturday June 20. Live race post time 1:30pm All Summer Long! Live All SUwwleir NORSE RACING NO LIVE RING Sunday June 7/15 Enjoy the Clinton Spring Fair SUNDAY JUNE 14 CHANCE TO WIN 2 SHANIA TWAIN TICKETS CI•nfin Ramleay I'msort:. S PER® Fanshawe SUNDAY SHOW Alumni Day every live race day in the 2015 season 147 Beech St. 519.482.1678 clintonraceway.com