Obituary of Dr. John (Jack) Harry SPRAGUE

May 26, 1936 – Edmonton, Alberta
June 29, 2021 – Cochrane, Alberta

It is with great sadness that the family of Dr. John (Jack) Sprague announces his peaceful passing on Tuesday June 29, 2021 at the age of 85 years.

Jack was born to John and Christine O’Gorman of Ardrossan, AB. As an infant he and his parents were stricken with diphtheria which sadly resulted in his parents’ demise. Fortunately for Jack he was adopted by Dr. Percy Sprague and his wife Marjorie of Edmonton. Jack enjoyed many sports throughout his youth, in particular golf which he played well into his retirement. Following graduation from Westglen High School, Jack attended the U of A where he obtained a B.Sc. in Zoology followed by his M.D. in 1962. He completed two more years of postgraduate education at the University Hospital in Edmonton followed by four years of fellowship training in Internal Medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

In 1968 Jack returned to practice in Edmonton as a member of the medical staff of the University Hospital and an Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Alberta. As a physician, Jack was much respected by his colleagues and much loved by his patients. The medical residents he was assigned much revered his teaching as he imparted not just the science of medicine but also the art of medicine.

In 1977 he married Nancy (nee Pasternak) and they were fortunate to have 44 wonderful years of marriage. They practiced medicine together for 35 years. In addition, many happy years were spent enjoying the peace of country life at their ranch near Millet, AB, where they raised and showed quarter horses and were kept company by their much loved rescue dogs and cats.

With his health declining, Jack and Nancy made the move to Cochrane, AB, in 2017 where they enjoyed small town life with a view of the Rocky Mountains.

Jack is survived by his loving wife Nancy, his adopted sister Kathy (nee Tougas) of Edmonton; his sister-in-law Ruth O’Gorman, nephew Steve O’Gorman, and niece Darlene (nee Hanischuk) all of Winnipeg, MB, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents John and Christine O’Gorman, his brother Steve O’Gorman, his adoptive parents Percy and Marjorie Sprague, and sisters Joan (Maclagan) and Betty (Wilkes). 

Jack is remembered as a gentle soul and a quiet, thoughtful man. In keeping with his wishes cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral or memorial service. If friends so desire in lieu of flowers, Jack requested that memorial tributes be made directly to the Cochrane Humane Society, 62 Griffin Industrial Pointe, Cochrane, AB, T4C 0A3, Telephone: (403) 932-2072, www.cochranehumane.ca.  

Jack’s favourite piece of poetry which was always displayed on his office wall was Desiderata by Max Ehrmann:

“Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they have their story too.”

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Jack’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Dr. J. H. Sprague, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Cochrane, 369 RAILWAY STREET, COCHRANE, AB T4C 2E2, Telephone: 403-932-4740.