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The family of John Spragge uploaded a photo
Wednesday, August 17, 2016
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Stephen Frazee posted a condolence
Monday, January 5, 2009
Dear Bev: I want to send you and your family my heartfelt condolences. I remember meeting John on numerous occasions when I worked in the Royal Bank's Advertising Dept. in the mid 1970's. He invited me to lunch at CFRB and introduced me to several on-air personalities - it was a very exciting day! I was always impressed by his warmth and generosity - even though I had only met him once he always remembered my name and made me feel at ease every time our paths crossed. He really was a wonderful gentleman. Much love, Stephen
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Bob and Teddene Long posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Bev, We were sorry to hear of John's passing. We well remember both of you attending the service for our Audrey. It was nice of you to to share our grief at that time. The world has lost a wonderful man. Please convey our sincere sympathy to your family. Our prayers are with you at this time. Bob and Teddene.
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Glenn Cooper posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
I never met John Spragge but, like many others, I was a fan during his days at CHUM. And I am not at all surprised to hear of his life of service to the community. I remember especially the thoughtful, sensitive items he did called "Something to think about," which displayed a gentle, pensive spirit. Thank you John. And thank you, too, to you who loved him for sharing him with the rest of us.
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Peter Willson posted a condolence
Monday, December 22, 2008
John Spragge was a true inspiration during the summer of ‘73 when I was a Good News Reporter at CFRB. Together with Don Johnston, he embraced that team as he did with many others, to ensure they got the most out of that summer opportunity. Those we heady days at 'RB - Sinc, Dennet, Betty, Wally - but the man who walked the tallest was John Spragge. Here was an icon of my transistor radio listening days from Chum AM. Here was the man who graced the cover of many of my Chum charts, which I still proudly own. Most of all, here was a fellow who was going to give you a chance. After the summer was over John offered up a number of part time stints representing 'RB at the Royal Winter Fair, the Science Centre and the ‘In the Water’ boat show. These were great opportunities, in which John demonstrated his continued confidence in you. It is something I have cherish all my life. I had the opportunity to hire John to speak at a conference at Maclean Hunter in the late 80's and he did a great job. The last time I saw him was about ten years ago, early one morning while I was driving along Blythwood and he was standing at the bus stop. realizing who it was, I immediately did a U-turn, picked him up and drove him to his destination. Shortly thereafter we had a lunch on College near Maclean Hunter and got caught up. I took the opportunity at lunch to say ‘Thanks John’ for believing in me, as he did for so many others. I wish to express my condolences to the Spragge family. Thank you for this opportunity to recollect….but never forget.
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Donna and Bob Tucker posted a condolence
Monday, December 22, 2008
To Bev and family: Our sincere sympathy in your loss. John will surely be missed by so many individuals. God bless Donna and Bob
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Ann and Bo Bobyk posted a condolence
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Although we are not present today please know that our thoughts are with you and our hearts grieve your loss.We feel blessed to have had the gift of John`s friendship and incredible sense of humour in our lives.His presence will be sorely missed by all whose lives he touched. Sadly and with love Ann and Bo Bobyk
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Nathalie Leitch and Mike Schneider posted a condolence
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Dear Mrs. Spragge, Suzy and David, We are truly sorry for the loss of your kind, generous husband and father. He was a wonderful man, and we will miss him. With love, Nathalie and Mike
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Jennifer Wilson posted a condolence
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Dear Bev, I was sad to read about John in the Globe and Mail this weekend. Although it's been many years since I have seen either of you, I still remember the interview I had with John when he hired me as a young teenager to work as a milk maid at the CHUM/Borden Elsie the Cow booth at the CNE. John put me at ease right away and I had a great summer job for a number of years! I also treasure the time I spent with all of you at your home and cottage during the summer when I was supposed to be a mother's helper to you - not sure how much help I was, but I sure enjoyed the time with you and John and your (then) very young family. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Jennifer Wilson
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george & ruth Daniels posted a condolence
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Dear Bev, We read with sadness John's obituary in the Globe here in B.C., Where we arevisiting family. It was our pleasure to count John among the leading broadcast Execs. who are friends. A talent that will be missed. Bev - to you and all your family heartfelt condolances. Sincerely George & Ruth Daniels
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Kate and Paul Brink posted a condolence
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Dear Beverley, Suzanne and David, We are so sorry for the loss of such a special man in your lives. We are thinking of you and of John. The photograph is wonderful as it seems to perfectly capture his spirit and sense of fun. With love, Kate and Paul Brink
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Al MacKay posted a condolence
Friday, December 19, 2008
It was with considerable sorrow that I read of John’s passing in the Globe yesterday. Like John I toiled in the broadcasting field – some radio, but mostly television – but I knew him only by reputation until our paths finally crossed as colleagues on the Board of the Central Canada Broadcasting Association. John always had a smile and warm greeting, a sincere inquiry about how I was doing, and regularly asked about the well-being of my family. At the Board meetings, John would always cut through the clutter, making sense out of all the verbiage without offending anyone who might have held a differing opinion on the matter under discussion. He envied my – at that time, rather beat-up – monogrammed Lands’ End briefcase, and soon had one of his own. A gentleman at all times, and a gentle man in his dealings with others. I was privileged to be able to call him a friend. Maybe he’ll look up Chopin for some help with those piano lessons. Al MacKay Ottawa almackay@magma.ca
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frank r. gardiner posted a condolence
Friday, December 19, 2008
Years ago (1971), as a young, brash "flower child" broadcast rep, i sold my way into Standard Broadcast Sales headed up by a formidable " Panzar tank commander " type namely the late Arnold Stinson. In my two, rough, tough years at SBS, one of the fleeting positive moments in our daily sales meetings was the relaxed,fun, positive leadership and experience of John Spragge. John to me was a reminder of the talented, creative,fun and positive human dimension of the radio business - a business that could also at times be very demanding.... if not ruthless. " Tomorrow is the first day of the rest of your life" was a quote i recall hearing from John along with his gentle laughter. John Spragge was one of the good guys in our Canadian broadcast business. Thanks for the good memories John!
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Nancy Hood posted a condolence
Friday, December 19, 2008
To Beverley and Suzanne: My deepest sympathy in this time of loss. May your many warm memories of family life together comfort you both at this difficult time. I think of you both often and fondly. With warm hugs, Nancy Hood
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Susan Harrington posted a condolence
Friday, December 19, 2008
My heartfelt condolences to the family of John Spragge and in particular to his wonderful daughter, Suzanne. I had the pleasure of working with Suzanne at the COC some years ago and I remember fondly how she would quote her wonderful Dad and take such pride in him . Suzanne ,I wish for you and your family the strength to bear this loss and the wisdom to weep and rejoice in all the joy he brought in to your lives. Love, Susie Susan Harrington Resource Centre Administrator Department of Architectural Science Ryerson University 325 Church Street 416-979-5000 ext 6482 susan.harrington@ryerson.ca Toronto
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Sheila Gallagher posted a condolence
Friday, December 19, 2008
Dear Beverley, I saw in the Globe that your dear John had recently died and wanted to let you know I was thinking of you and how very sorry I am. I read of his life with great interest not knowing previously of your and his background at all I was certainly impressed by his many interests, devotions and accomplishments. What a tremendous loss for you and your family. I hope the memories of your many happy years together will be able to sustain you through what will be a difficult adjustment. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. Sheila.
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for John My Rotary Hero Sandy & Bridget lit a candle
Thursday, December 18, 2008
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To Beverly and family.
I am so sad that John has gone, but glad that his suffering is over. He was without doubt one of the finest human beings I will ever be lucky enough to meet and I feel so honoured to have known him and called him my friend. Please know that our thought and prayers are with you.
Our many memories of the wonderful, funny, meaningful and amazing things that John brought to us all will never fade.
Sandy Bridget Karim and Alys
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In memory from your friends at New Visions Toronto lit a candle
Thursday, December 18, 2008
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John was kind enough to MC our New Visions Toronto Holiday Party for 2 years and he also,annually, participated in our fund raising Golf Tournament. We considered him a friend and we will miss his smile and sense of humour. Our prayers are with you.
Don Walker-Executive Director
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Don Luzzi posted a condolence
Thursday, December 18, 2008
A colleague and a friend whose many talents and sense of humour were an enjoyable experience to share. His quiet contribution to causes and individuals in need are a tribute to his selflessness.
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Andy Barrie posted a condolence
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Dear Bev and family, Still remembering yours and John's gracious welcoming dinner at the Granite Club when Mary and I first arrived in Toronto, and not having seen John in many years, it was wonderful reading of how full and loving his life has been since he left radio. John gave me my first job here, counseled me in my many aadjustments to Toronto, shared some of his own achievements and frustrations. He was a man of great character and enthusiasms. I hope it will be a comfort to all of you to know how many people will treasure their memories of him. Andy
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John Yost posted a condolence
Thursday, December 18, 2008
I was pretty much a rookie salesperson when John became our General Manager at CFCA/CKKW in Kitchener. I remember the first day he started I arrived early to make a good impression. John was already there typing a memo. I stuck out my hand and introduced myself. He looked up and kept typing. This is not going to be easy I thought and it wasn't. It took me almost a month to break through the granite and see and meet the real John Spragge. It happened, when over a drink, I asked him about the CHUM days. He started off slowly but two hours later I realized that I could do nothing better than learn from this man's passion. And so began our short journey together. A journey that John taught us "that might work," and "the learning never stops," weekly luncheon brain storming sessions. The joy of seeing him so excited about Unforgettable and Nat and Natalie singing together. Thank you John for your wisdom, sharing, and guidance. I still use your methods today now that I am a sales manager. You are Unforgettable. On behalf of everyone at CFCA and CKKW I extend our condolences to the Spragge family. Thank you for sharing John with us!
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Barbara Jones posted a condolence
Thursday, December 18, 2008
David, Suzanne and Mrs. Spragge; I was very saddened to read of your loss. I just dug out a letter from my desk, sent on your Dad's blue stationary 20+ years ago, and read it, once again. John hired me as a Good News Reporter at CFRB. On my first day on the job, he took the student reporters out for lunch, and as our true introduction to the wacky broadcasting business, he was gone by the end of the day. The letter arrived a few days later, and included personal and professional encouragement (which I cherish to this day), and his apology, "Sorry to be rude and run right after lunch!" I know where you get your sense of humour, David. That job at CFRB set me on a new course. The time on the Arbee introduced me to the sport and community of sailing... since then, an integral part of my life. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Bill Brady posted a condolence
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Dear Bev: Please know that we are thinking of you and remembering an extraordinary colleague and friend. John touched so many through his on air work for so many productive years and in his Rotary and community service. I remember his creative thoughtfulness when I was honoured with The Order of Canada - he came to London and had a giant outdoor billboard announce my honour - it was directly across the road from CFPL Radio where was manager at the time. Following my health problems John called to wish me well.He has left a treasure of memories and his legacy is permanent. May God in His wisdom give you and your family great strength and comfort. Bill Brady - London]
