It is with great sadness the family announce the passing of Willard Glen Spratt on January 4, 2022. He was the second of four children born to Willard and Marjorie (St. John) Spratt of Elgin Manitoba on April 25, 1931. Glen will be lovingly remembered by his wife Shirley of 56 years, and children Cheryl (Don) Tufts of Boissevain, Ross (Maria) Spratt of Winnipeg, and Colleen (Dave) Wozny of Winnipeg; grandchildren Erin (Jason) Henderson of Portage la Prairie, Alanna (Dustin Conrad) of Calgary, and Derek (Pam Kerkowich) of Minto; great grandchildren Dillon, Gavin and Ethan Henderson, and Dilynn Conrad; sister Jean Lovett of Killarney and sister-in-law Irma Spratt of Brandon; as well as many nieces and nephews. Glen was predeceased by his parents, brother Harold, sister Mary McPherson, brothers-in-law Ken McPherson of Brandon Hills and Winston Lovett of Killarney.
Glen attended Elgin School. In winters, he did chores for the neighbours when needed. Glen taught Sunday school for many years at Elgin United Church. After graduation Glen continued to work on the farm, and also had winter jobs. One winter he worked as a doorman at the Marlborough Hotel in Winnipeg, another winter he worked in Pine Falls cutting wood with a bowsaw for the pulp mill, where he was paid by the cord. The next winter job involved driving a cat train (International TV14A) over frozen lakes. They moved the town of Sherridon to Lynn Lake using three cats and six drivers working rotating shifts. They pulled five sleighs carrying houses, the bank and school buildings, fuel, groceries, etc. In 1950, he attended Edmonton Technical School, and studied welding and mechanics.
Glen purchased the farm, west half of 36-5-21, from his Dad in 1952. He was a grain farmer, had a registered grain cleaning business for many years and some winters he kept feeder steers. 2013 marked 100 years for this fourth, now fifth-generation farm. Glen married Shirley on April 10, 1965 at Trinity United Church in Brandon. They built a new home on the farm in 1966. In 1995, after many years of farming, nursing and raising their family, they retired to their home in Souris. They had a front row seat to the 2011 flood.
Glen and Shirley enjoyed trips to Las Vegas, Oahu and Nicaragua. They also enjoyed family trips to the Mayan Riviera, the Henderson’s wedding on Maui, and an Alaskan cruise. Glen and Shirley enjoyed 28 years at the Royal Scott in Victoria. He loved Thanksgiving gatherings with family at the property on the Souris river. This is a special annual family tradition that has been going on for nearly 20 years. Glen was very proud of the farmers, technical and engineering careers of his family. He was especially proud of the many nurses in his family; his mother, two sisters, wife, two daughters, and two granddaughters have nursing careers spanning from 1924 to the present day.
Farming was always very important to Glen. John Deere green was the right choice for farming equipment, as far as he was concerned. With the help of his family, they restored many antique plows and John Deere tractors, as well as a 1929 Chevy truck. Glen’s love and his dry sense of humor will be missed.
Shirley gave him a picture of an old John Deere and the verse at the bottom said it all; “There are three things in life that I hold most dear, God, my family and my trusty old John Deere”.
A celebration of Glen’s life will be held at St. Paul’s United Church, Souris, Manitoba on Saturday April 23, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. followed by a private interment in the Elgin Cemetery. Thank you to Dr. Cram, Dr. Sequeira, all the nurses, hospital staff, homecare, Kowalchuk’s funeral staff, neighbours, family and friends for their concern and support. In memory of Glen, donations can be made to the St. Paul’s United Church Memorial Fund or Manitoba Heart and Stroke.
Our sincere sympathy to Shirley, Cheryl, Ross and Colleen in Glen’s passing. Always very pleasant to visit with, a near neighbour when I was growing up. Enjoyed the landmark tractor at the end of the lane for many years. Glen will be missed in the community.
Prayers to the Spratt family. Glen was a great guy and his sense of humour was priceless. He was so kind and giving and will be missed by everyone who knew him.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Shirley and Family,
Thinking of you and extending condolences to your family at this sad time.
Connie
So sorry in the loss of Glen,he has fought a long hard fight, but he is now at rest..My thoughts and prayers are with all the family.
Ross and Maria- so sorry to read about your dad’s passing. Thinking of you and the rest of the Spratt family. Met your dad and mom at Mainline Motors, Virden quite a few years ago. Such a friendly fellow.
Dear Shirley, Ross and Maria, Cheryl, and Colleen and families,
Sorry to hear of your loss of Glen. He was such a sweet man with a kind nature. We know you have so many memories and good times with him to draw on right now. Hugs to you all XO
While I did not know Mr. Spratt personally, I know by how his daughter Colleen spoke of him, that he was well loved and will be sorely missed. My sincere condolences.
Sympathy to you Shirley and family, Cheryl,Ross and Colleen
Sincere sympathy to Shirley and family. We are thinking of you all at this difficult time.
Shirley, Cheryl, Colleen and Ross
You had a great life with Glenn. You will have so many memories.
I have some good memories.
Mary-Ella
Deepest condolences to all the Spratt families. Glen will be remembered for his quiet demeanour and his contagious chuckle. Sincere sympathy from all my family.
Ardelle Woods
Mrs. Spratt , I’m very sorry for your loss. In the short time I knew Mr. Spratt , I could always count on sharing a smile and some laughter. He always had a witty comment or a humourous story. Please extend my condolences to your family.
Thinking of you all at this difficult time, thank God for memories.
Thinking and praying for you Shirley, Colleen, Ross and Cheryl. Thank you Lord
for the great memories we are able to recall of the good Elgin days.
Our sincere sympathy.
Maureen and Dwayne Kirkup
Sincere Sympathy to you ,Shirley and your family!
Glen was such a fine gentleman…he will be missed by so many.
Our sincere condolences Shirley and family. Lorraine and Gordie Couling
Shirley and family, my thoughts are with you at this very sad time. -Joan Dufily
Our sincere condolences to Shirley and family.
Shirley, Cheryl, Ross, Colleen and families.
We are so very sorry to hear of Glen’s passing. We are thinking of you all.
Fred, Sandra and Kathie King
Dear Shirley and family, our caring sympathy as you part with such a special person in your family-cared for with much love .
We fondly remember times with you and Glen’s great sense of humour and kindness.
May his faith carry him in arms of comfort and peace.
Shirley and Family,
Our condolences on the passing of Glen. We have fond memories of Glen as our Sunday School teacher in the 1950’s at Elgin United Church. He was such a kind and gentle man and and will be sorely missed.
Gary and Audrey
Shirley & Family
Our sincere sympathy to everyone.
Our thoughts are with you at this very sad time. Robert & Marilyn Pearce
My condolences on your loss Shirley. Wherever a beautiful soul has been there’s a trail of beautiful memories
Our thoughts are with you Shirley and family at this time. Our sincere condolences.
Helen and Debra Kain
My sincere sympathy, Shirley and family, in your sad loss of Glen. I know Ron and the Moffat family had many happy memories of school days with Glen.
No matter when I was speaking with Glen the Spratt dry Witt was very evident like that of his father Willard and brother Harold. He was a gentleman in every way and he will be missed by all who knew him. May he R.I.P
Our deepest sympathy Shirley and family in the passing of Glen. He was a true gentleman over and over again. He will be missed by everyone who was fortunate enough to have crossed paths with him.
Julia Vodden & Family
Our sincere sympathy to Shirley and family!
Jim & Judy Coleman
Shirley and Family. We are sorry to hear about Glen. He was such a gentleman, so quiet and kind. He had a good sense of humour!! Mom told us many stories of growing up with Glen and his siblings! What a wonderful family. We are thinking of you with sympathy. Cyril and Kate Druwe
Shirley and family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Chanlie and Trevor Kozak
Our condolences on Glen’s passing. I remember Glen as being this quiet, gentleman that taught us all about Jesus Christ at the United Church in Elgin. I had so much respect for him all my life.
Our thoughts are with you all at this very sad time. We always enjoyed time to visit with Glen – one could count on a good laugh to brighten the day. He was a great supporter of his community.
Laura Empey and Family
Shirley and family. So sorry for your loss. May your memories help you during this difficult time.
Our condolence to the Spratt family, Glen will be greatly missed.
Our sincere sympathy.