Douglas Spracklin
October 26, 1942 to November 30, 2023
Obituary
For those unable to attend the service for the Late Douglas Spracklin on Wednesday, December 6th, at 2:00 p.m. at the Carnell Memorial Chapel may view it via: Here
It is with profound sadness that the family of Douglas Spracklin of St. John’s announce his passing on Thursday, November 30, 2023. He was the proud father of Jason (Karen), Mark and Leanne (Derrick) and proud grandfather to Lily.
Doug grew up in Bonne Bay, Twillingate & Port aux Basques and received graduate degrees from Memorial University. He was a teacher and school principal for over 40 years, starting his career in Labrador City & ending with teaching in Ontario and Manitoba communities. For over 20 years he was the principal of St. George’s Elementary in Long Pond, Conception Bay South, NL.
Doug was a proud Newfoundlander who loved politics, and was especially fond of Joey Smallwood. He never went a day without his beloved Evening Telegram newspaper, as he was obsessed with reading and watching the news. He was also an avid music lover, especially Johnny Cash & Elvis Presley, and fulfilled a lifelong dream of visiting Graceland when he retired.
Doug was predeceased by his parents, Magistrate Aleck and Edith Spracklin and his wife Margaret and his siblings Edgar, Lloyd, Beth, Harold, and Robert. He is also survived by his brother Cyril and his sister Rev. Bernice Spracklin. Doug was especially fond of his nephew Richard, along with Nieces Pam & Tara and his Grand-nephews Christopher (deceased), Michael, Joey and Roy Karam.
There will be a visitation on Wednesday Dec 6, 10 am – 12 pm followed by a 2pm service in the chapel at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, St. John’s. The ashes will be interred at the Cupids United Church cemetery on Thursday, Dec 7 at 11am. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Doug’s name to The Rooms, which maintains Newfoundland artifacts, art, and historical records, at https://donations.therooms.ca/
Schedule
Visitations
10 - 12 noon on December 6, 2023
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
funeral
2:00pm, Wednesday December 6th
The Carnell Memorial Chapel
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
So sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. I meet him when I worked at the harbour lodge, we had many chats there and continued to keep in contact when he left the harbour lodge and moved to town. We often spoke on the phone and exchanged cards at Christmas . He was a pleasure to talk to, he was very happy to hear I had a little boy and called me to congratulate me . Working in health care you meet lots of people but Doug was one of the ones that most definitely held a special place in my heart . My dog passed in Nov 2022 and this was his message to me and now I’ll send it back to him. I’ll wrap these treasured memories in a blanket of my love., and keep them for my best friend until we need above. Hugs to all this family.
My deepest sympathies and condolences to the family of the late Douglas Spracklin. Mr. Spracklin was my Grade 6 Homeroom Teacher at Topsail Elementary from September 1992 to June 1993.
He provided a lot of great memories that I still reflect back upon to this day. May he rest in eternal peace.
So sorry of the passing of Mr.Spraklin.
He was my principal @ St.Georges. He was the best principal I ever had. RIP Mr.Spraklin
Bernice and family, So sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. I remember you both from Port Aux Basques school days. I was Hutchings then. Doug was one of my teachers. Hold tight to all your beautiful memories.
Deepest condolences to all Mr. Spracklin’s family. May he rest in peace. God bless.
Dear Bernice and family,
We were so sorry to hear of Doug’s passing.
He touched so many lives in a positive way and will be remembered for the wonderful man he was.
He will be fondly remembered by the Roberts family as “The Chip Man” for his love of potato chips.
Our deepest condolences
Victor & Brenda Roberts
Dear Bernice,
I was sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. To you & your family, please accept my sincere sympathy & condolence for your loss.
Donna Marshall
My sincere condolences to all Mr. Spracklin’s family. He was my Principal at St. George’s school. My fondest memory is etched in my mind forever. I was bullied from grade 3 to 6. Being a very shy girl, it took a lot for me to report it to the Principal but I did one day in grade 6. I could hardly get a word out but he was so patient, caring and looking back now, extremely professional. He assured me he would take care of it and everything would be okay. Minutes after I left his office, he called all the girls involved to his office for everyone to hear on the PA and I was never bullied again.
May all the beautiful memories help you through your grieving. Georgina Smith (Hussey)
My condolences to the Spracklin family. I remember him from when I was a student at St. George’s Elementary.. So sorry to hear of his passing.
I am so sad to hear of Mr. Spracklin’s passing. He was a wonderful person, and I was lucky to have him as a teacher way back when I was in Junior High in CBS. We remained in contact for many years after, well into my own teaching career. I think fondly of our many chats, and I will remember him always.
Sending condolences to his family,.
To Doug’s immediate family and near relatives, Margaret and I extend our most sincere condolences on the death of Doug. We both knew Doug well and I will certainly miss our monthly conversations. Doug was a keenly literate person who appreciated clear thinking and powerful verbal presentations. He reveled in knowing the history of his family as well as that of Newfoundland and beyond; never stuck for a word and quick to find the humor in even difficult situations.
I knew Doug from our school days in Port aux Basques, later as education colleagues in Labrador West, and still later in retirement in St. John’s. The stories of our experiences would amaze you and it hits me very hard to think that those times of recall with him are over.
The picture you chose for Doug’s obit is a great one and I can feel him telling all of us, “It was a wonderful life, cherish the memories.”
Bob & Margaret Martin
Comox, BC
Bernice and Family, Thinking of you and yours as you mourn Doug’s passing. May God”s own peace be yours and his. Sincerely, Russ and Bonnie
Dear Jason, Mark, Leanne, Lily and Auntie Bernice,
Doug was always excellent and thoughtful company bringing a keen interest, enthusiasm and joy to all things historical and cultural about Newfoundland – something my Dad (Uncle Charles) always looked forward to learning about his during his visits, and later in their calls and emails over the years.
We are so very sorry about Doug’s passing. Sending much love from Uncle Charles, Carolyn, Aisling and Mat
My condolences to the Spracklin family. I had the pleasure to work as Doug’s Vice-Principal at St. George’s Elementary from 1982 to 1987 and have many fond memories of those times. An articulate speaker, Doug enjoyed discussions on cultural and political topics, and also loved sharing laughter, as he was blessed with a marvellous sense of humour.
We met Doug when he lived across from us in Carbonear. We often met on the street for an interesting chat and then the occasional phone chat after he moved to St. John’s. We are so sorry for your loss.
To the Spracklin Family, Sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. I have many memories of our time working at St. George’s . Condolences to all the family,
Joan Butler
deepest condolences to you Rev.Bernice and your famiily at this sad time,may his memories be a blessing …
Bernice, so sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. I know you two were very close and talked on a daily basis. Although we are far apart our condolences are sincere and from the heart. Thinking of you and sending our love and hugs as you travel through the rough days ahead. Losing our loved ones is never easy and I hope you take care of yourself. Condolences to all the family.
Condolences to the Spracklin family.
So very sorry to hear of Mr. Spracklin’s passing. I too attended St. George’s Elementary and have many fond memories of my time there and of Mr. Spracklin in particular. He was a kind and distinguished gentleman who was loved and respected by us all. Please accept my sincere condolences. Godspeed Mr. Spracklin.
I am so sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. I attended St. Georges Elem from 1978-82. He was my favorite Principle. He really loved his students and even ate in the cafeteria with us. he was a good friend with my mom as she was part of the PTA. They both shared a love of Elvis. When Doug retired and visited Graceland, he bought home a candle and a postage stamp for Mom. I still have both although Mom is gone 13 years now. Many of my old schoolmates (now in their 50’s) are sharing stories of Doug and how he was a fond memory of their childhood. That speaks volumes to his character. He will be missed and thought of with love and respect. Bless you all.
Reverend Bernice and Family, we send our sincere condolences on the death of your beloved brother Doug. Know that we will be holding you in our prayers here as we, along with you, hold to the hope we have in Christ as we remember the words of our Creed that “in life, in death, in life beyond death…God is (indeed) with us…” Reverend Paula and the church family of the Lewisporte Pastoral Charge
Doug And I were friends growing up in Twillingate, sorry to hear of his passing!
Mr. Spracklin was my school principal in St. George’s elementary back in late 80’s early 90’s.
I have fond memories of him, and I was sad to see he had passed.
Condolences to his family and friends.
Sincere Sympathy to the Family. Doug was a strong supporter of Red Cross Youth programs.. He welcomed staff to his school and served as a very helpful volunteer member of the St. John’s Canadian Red Cross Youth Committee.
Bernice we are sorry to hear about your brother’s passing thinking of you and the family at this difficult time Aubrey & Barb
Bernice and family so sorry to hear of Doug’s passing condolences to all the family at this difficult time Lewis and Cynthia Boyd
Jason, Mark, and Leanne: I’m so sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. Doug was a wonderful person and a true scholar. We shared many laughs and great conversations. May your precious memories bring you comfort now and in the days ahead.
Jason, Mark and Leanne we are sorry to hear of your fathers passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Bernice and family. Our deepest condolences to you on Doug’s passing. We hope the memories you have of him will bring you comfort.