Davis Harrison Sproule of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, went home to be with his Lord on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, at the age of 91. He was a loving husband, brother, father, grandfather and friend to many. He died peacefully with his only son and daughter-in-law by his side.
Davis leaves behind his son Rick (Bev), his brother Barry (Lee), grandchildren Stuart (Carie), Karisha (Juan), Kendra (Bryan) and Krysten (Josh) along with seven great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Fen and Agnes, siblings Alda, Ronald, Ruby, Mabel, Sam, Keith, Merle and Shirley as well as his beloved wife, Shirley.
Born on September 3, 1930, in Rockglen, Saskatchewan, Davis was the ninth child in a family of ten. He was taught elementary school by his eldest sister Alda in the one-room schoolhouse near his family home. A Saskatchewan farm boy through and through, he spent his childhood years milking cows, weeding the garden, collecting ice for the cold room, and helping with the harvest. He discovered his love for hunting and fishing at an early age and could often be found exploring the outdoors with his brothers Keith, Merle and Barry.
After graduating high school in La Flèche, Davis joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and was attached to the Mobile Support Equipment Section. His career began in Norman Wells, Northwest Territories and while he served in a number of places around Canada, he spent the majority of the 1960s posted in Metz, France and Baden–Soellingen, Germany.
In the early days of his career, he fell in love with his sweetheart, Shirley Sephton from Glentworth, Saskatchewan. They were married in 1952 and spent their years together traveling and camping in Europe, curling, playing cards, bowling and enjoying the outdoors. Along with their son Ricky, they returned to Canada where Davis completed his military commitment at Camp Shilo in Manitoba in 1969.
Davis ended his career with the military in 1975 and with Shirley, moved to The Pas, Manitoba, where he was employed by Manitoba Provincial Parks. Following Shirley’s tragic death in 1977, he relocated to Moose Jaw and worked as a civilian for the Department of National Defense until retiring in 1990.
Davis cared deeply for his family, and while he was fiercely private and stubbornly independent, he was humble, kind, and generous. Even in his late 80s, he would continue to volunteer with his church and deliver meals to others. He enjoyed the simple things in life — phone calls and letters from family and friends, gardening, watching the weather, writing poetry, fishing and of course, a classic game of crib. His home-grown tomatoes, beans, and squash were better than any one would find at the grocery store.
Davis was a keen observer of the world around him. He’d spend hours fishing for Walleye and scouting for birds on his favourite lakes around Saskatchewan – Little Bear, Diefenbaker, Lovering and Buffalo Pound.
We will remember Davis for his gentle, kind eyes and his ability to find contentment in the simplicity of life. Being alone never seemed to bother him — he found comfort in knowing Jesus was always by his side.
His family will hold a private memorial service on Tuesday, January 11 at 11 a.m. at the W. J. Jones and Son Funeral Home in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Friends are welcome to join virtually at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85731668247 or watch a recording at a later date. He will be interred at the Rosedale Cemetery in Moose Jaw. If you are so moved, donations in his memory can be made to the Moose Jaw Zion United Church.
A special thanks to Dr. Bali and the nursing staff at Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital in Moose Jaw. They were incredibly attentive and caring to Davis’ care in his final days.
In living memory of Davis, a memorial planting will be made by W.J. Jones & Son Funeral Home. Please sign the memorial register at website: www.jonesparkview.com (Obituaries). Dayna Chamberlain, Funeral Director.
