Posted by: Kathy Krywicki
Another neighbourhood story pulled from the Google News Archives, this time related to the passing of an old-time Sunnyside Avenue resident Mr. William Sproule from the Ottawa Citizen April 12, 1940.
William H. Sproule, Bicycle Champion of Old, Passes On
Known to thousands in Ottawa, Mr. Sproule in his bicycling days was for five successive years Ottawa district champion. He was active in military circles, being at one time a staff-sergeant in the old 43rd battalion and until his death he was member of the 43rd Regimental Association.
He was born in Nepean Township, a son of the late Henry Sproule and Hannah Walker. He have to Ottawa 61 years ago and learned the trade of jeweller and watch maker, for years operating his own business places on Sparks and Bank Streets here.
He entered the Civil Service in the Customs division, Department of National Revenue in 1911 and was superannuated eight years ago. In 1912 he married Tena MacGregor and the couple resided in Ottawa South where Mr. Sproule lived 41 years.
He was a member of Southminster United Church. He was life member of Dalhousie Lodge A.F. and A.M. of Carleton Chapter, the Knights Templar and Progress Chapter, O.E.S. He belonged to the Orange Order for more than 60 years and was past grand master of the Royal Black Preceptory.
Surviving in addition to his widow, are four daughters by a former marriage, Mrs. J.E. Cardinal and Miss Marjorie Sproule of Ottawa; Mrs. Homer Patterson and Mrs. Gratton Hall of Toronto and one brother I.W. Sproule of Brampton, Ontario.
The funeral service will be conducted by the Reverend Charles Donald in the chapel of Hulse and Playfair Ltd., 315 Mcleod Street, at 3:30pm Saturday. Internment will be in Beechwood Cemetery.
Note: A related story on Oakland Heights from Ottawa Citizen “Old Time Stuff” 1931.