April 17, 1941 – February 9, 2021
It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we are sharing the news of the passing of Paul Sparrow, our beloved husband, Dad, Papa, Grandpa and friend on February 9, 2021, after a short and difficult battle with cancer.
Paul was born in Flin Flon on April 17, 1941, and after living in many small towns throughout his youth, he settled in Souris with his parents as a young teen. After seeing young Margaret around town and at school, Paul asked her to be his sweetheart at a school dance, and they built a wonderful marriage together of 57 years.
Paul and Margaret moved to Thunder Bay early in their marriage, and began their family, having their sons Darin and Darwin and their daughter Terri in their time there. Their youngest son, Brad, followed soon after their return to Manitoba, settling in Winnipeg, where Paul began his career with Canada Safeway, working with them for 27 years until his retirement in 2002. Paul was well known over the years for his sense of humour and joking manner, and wherever he was, you could count on laughter not being far behind. He will be well remembered by everyone he knew for his incredible kindness, enormous heart, generous spirit and twinkle in his eye.
Active during his youth in sports, Paul continued this tradition with his children, participating fully in their countless hockey, ringette and baseball teams over the years. He would spend every spare moment giving back to the community in this manner, and his impact was truly felt far and wide, as evidenced by the phone calls and messages received since his passing to share stories and memories of youth spent with Paul behind the bench. Later in life, Paul was also very involved in his church community, St. Mary’s Anglican, and valued the dear friends he made there, as well as the activities that they spent time giving back to the community, particularly their Winnipeg Harvest group.
Of all the accomplishments in his life, Paul was most passionate about being a father and grandfather. He would gather all of the grandchildren’s sports schedules at the start of every season, and he made it out to every track meet, dance recital and hockey/baseball/soccer/ringette game that he could possibly fit into his schedule. The loudest voice on the sideline was always Paul Sparrow, cheering on one of his grandchildren. Summer days were well spent at Papa’s pool, and Paul loved nothing more than the family gathering together for BBQs, family dinners, drinks and laughs. You would no sooner get in the door or gate when he was asking what you would like to drink and what else could he get for you.
Paul will be so deeply missed by his wife Margaret of 57 years, son Darin, his wife Lisa, and their son Brett, son Darwin, his wife Naomi and children Lexie, Eadyn, Madyson and Harrison, daughter Terri, her husband Scott, and their sons Mason and Nolan, and son Brad, his wife Sarah, and their children Brady, Mya, Kolby and Brody.
The family would like to express our heartfelt thanks to CancerCare- particularly Nicole and Rosemary (Palliative Care), who not only returned our calls with speed, but also took the time to listen to our concerns and answer all of our questions with kindness and compassion. We would also like to thank the health care staff of St. Boniface Hospital’s palliative care unit, who took such good care of Paul, and were so kind to the family during a very difficult time. Because of Paul’s love for helping others and giving back to the community, we would ask in lieu of flowers, to make a donation to Winnipeg Harvest, in memory of his generosity and kindness.
Paul/Dad/Papa/Grandpa, you are so loved and missed more than words can express. Thank you for all the gifts you have shared with us over the years, and the love of life you have shared with so many. We will never forget you, and your legacy will live on in the values you have instilled in your family.
14 thoughts on “Paul Sparrow”
My deepest sympathy, losing a husband, father or grandfather is sad. May the happy memories you hold dear bring you comfort at this time. May God grant you all peace and strength to see you through. It’s been many years, Marg, but I remember you so well. Fondest regards, Bette Brown. kalbetbrown@gmail.com
Condolences to the Sparrow family, Paul was a great soul, always looked forward to talking to him.
Are thoughts are with the family-Gord and Colleen Matheson.
I am so sorry to all of you for your loss..He was the best neighbor and he will be missed, had alot of fun times living next door as a teen.XO
So sorry to read of Paul’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Margaret & all your family. Al is remembering Souris Canuck days & the good times they had. Sincere sympathy, Al and Muriel Redwood
Paul was great co-worker at Safeway and a friend. Our thoughts are with you Margaret and Family.
Harry Barz
So sorry to hear of Mr. Sparrow’s passing. Some of my best memories are the times our families spent together, Ruskin Cres, Northwood, visiting you all in Winnipeg. I always remember his smile and how his eyes sparkled. It just seemed whenever we were all together everyone was happy and laughing. Please know I am thinking of you all, I somehow feel that Dad and you Mr. Sparrow are somehow together, having a beer and sharing some great stories and laughs! ” A Ring a Dang Doo”
My sincerest sympathy to you all. Love Donna Ulakovic (Winters)
Dear Margaret, Darin, Darwin, Terri, Brad & Families, So very saddened to hear of Paul’s passing. While it has been many years since we last saw you all, the good times shared as across-the-street neighbours on Foxberry has never been forgotten and you all have been thought about often. Paul was such a wonderful husband, father and friend – always a beautiful smile and such kind consideration for others. Such a difficult time . . . may your memories bring you peace and comfort and may he rest in eternal peace.
Love Lois Middleton (Stewart)
My very heartfelt condolences to you all. Uncle Paul was a very special person and my Godfather. Rest well Uncle Paul.
I am so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Mr. Sparrow you are in my thoughts and prayers You always gave me heck for the mister part but that was my way of giving you the respect you deserved. Dad will have a cold one for you.
My condolences to Margaret , Darin and the entire Sparrow family. Thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Condolences to the Sparrow family. Very saddened to hear of Mr. Sparrow’s passing. The Sparrow parents were always at Brad’s hockey games with smiles on their faces while supporting Brad the year I coached him with the Midget Monarchs. Many fond memories of that year with Brad, Scott and the entire Sparrow family. Paul was a wonderful man and he and Margaret left me with many positive and lasting memories. Rest in peace.
So very sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. He had such a wonderful smile and was such wonderful person that one couldn’t feel anything but happiness when you were in his company. We enjoyed some wonderful times with Paul and Margaret many years ago when our boys played hockey together. They would open their doors to the team’s parents for evening get togethers and it would bring everyone very close and make for a much better hockey year. I was fortunate in running into Paul and Brad about a year ago – at a hockey rink – not a surprise. Condolences to the Sparrow Family – he will also be missed by his many friends.
So sorry to hear about your loss. I remember Paul’s twinkling eyes and happy smile. Love to you all, Pat in New Zealand xx