Deaths

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.