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