It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Jerome “Jerry” Douglas Sproat on February 1, 2025, in his 86th year, surrounded by his family.
Jerry was born in Cobalt, Ontario in 1939, the third child of James Ross & Jessie Laurie (nee McLean) Sproat. In 1961, Jerry started working for Scotiabank where he met his soon to be wife, Carol Ann (nee Jamieson). After a fun-filled courtship, Jerry and Carol married and had 2 precious children, Susan Laurie and Jamieson Ross. Jerry and Carol had an incredible journey together; they travelled all across Canada together, spent 4 years living abroad in Mexico and Panama, and in 1980 made Oakville their home. Over the years, Jerry open-heartedly welcomed his son-in-law, Paul Sprokay, and daughter-in-law, Cara Hineman, into his growing family. On May 20, 2024, Carol and Jerry celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary.
Jerry was a star basketball player in his youth, and an avid curler, golfer, and baseball player. No matter the sport, you could always count on Jerry to bring not only his skill but a lot of laughs as well. His enjoyment and involvement in curling at the Oakville Curling Club led to an annual bonspiel named in his honour. Now in its 5th year, the Jerry Sproat Senior Men’s Bonspiel continues to be a popular event at the club.
Jerry’s greatest joy was always his beloved family. Forever adored by his grandchildren Birch Sprokay, Kenneth Sproat, Nolan Sprokay, and Rowan Sprokay. He was a loving brother to his siblings and their spouses, Jim Sproat (Margaret), Janet Benson (Bob), Judi Sproat, Jeff Sproat (Rena) and his late brother, Clinton “Bing” Sproat (Joyce). He was also a loving Brother-in-Law to Carol’s siblings Terry, Gilbert, and Tracy Jamieson, and the late Connie Barber. Jerry was a devoted uncle to his many nieces and nephews. At family events, he enjoyed playing in the pool, telling stories, and teaching them how to cook. He was nicknamed “The Great One” by his brother Jeff, and there is nothing that meant more to him than having the whole family together to share a meal he prepared, sing songs and play games late into the night.
Jerry will always be remembered as an open-hearted, generous man in countless ways, who always thought of everyone else before himself. He spearheaded fundraisers supporting Walton Memorial United Church and was a proud donor for many other charities in his community. Donations in memory of Jerry are appreciated and can be directed specifically to Walton Church or to the Parkinson’s Society.
We would like to extend a special thank you to the many people who helped look after Jerry over the last year. The staff at The Villages of Tansley Woods provided Jerry with exceptional personal care and friendship. In addition, the palliative care team at Joseph Brant Hospital showed great compassion and attentiveness during Jerry’s final days.
Please remember Jerry for the profound impact he had on all our lives. He was our shining light, our teacher, our mentor and most of all, the one who always loved his family and friends unconditionally. Jerry will be forever loved, cherished and missed.
Family and friends are welcome at Jerry’s Celebration of Life that will be held at Walton Memorial United Church, 2489 Lakeshore Road West on Sunday, February 16 at 2 p.m. Refreshments and social will follow at the Royal Canadian Legion, 79 Jones Street, Oakville from 3pm to 7pm. All are welcome.