REGINALD LESLIE SPRAKE FOLLETT

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REGINALD LESLIE SPRAKE FOLLETT Peacefully, following a brief illness, we sadly announce the passing of Reginald Leslie Sprake Follett, The Second World War Veteran, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Brother, Uncle and friend to many. Reg passed on March 27, 2014 in Mesa, AZ. The love of his life, his wife Anne (Newbiggin), and his parents Reginald and Levina Follett predeceased him. He leaves to mourn his stepdaughter Sheena Fletcher Gibson (David), daughter Marcia Rankin (Murray), son Brad Follett (Sher), son-in-law Murray Fletcher, brothers Cliff (Carol) and Jack and sister Vivian Medland. Grandchildren Brad Fletcher (Karen), Scott Fletcher (Renee), Shelley Fletcher, Chase Follett, Troy (Rankin) (Jen), Shawn (Rankin) (Andrea), Stacy Greco (Joe), great-grandchildren Alexis, Kyla, Brenden, Evann, Sheyanne, Abby, Haley, Tanna, Crosby, Owen, Stella, JT (Joseph Anthony), nieces, nephews and cousins. A special mention and thank you to Cousin Terry Lowen, with whom Reg was very close. Reg was born in Winkler, Manitoba on July 15, 1924. He joined the air force at the age of 17, receiving his wings in August of 1942, after which he was sent to England. There he joined the 567 Squadron and flew Hurricanes, Barracudas and Vengeances in the English Channel providing cover for destroyers. He moved to Spitfires with the 414 and 411 Squadrons in Germany until he came home in 1945. Reg had many accomplishments throughout his lifetime but he was most proud of the time he serviced his country as a fighter pilot in World War II. He joined the Masonic Lodge in January 1946, Scottish Right Life Membership. He was a Shriner from the 1960s 2007; Life time member and past president (1968) of the East Kildonan Lions Club; Past President Royal Commonwealth Society (1978 -1985); Life Member Canadian Fighter Pilot Association; Life Member War Time Pilots & Observers (Navigators) Association; Life Member and past president of the Royal Canadian Legion. Upon his return from the war, Reg attended the University of Manitoba where he graduated with a degree in Law in 1953. He practiced with various firms and on his own until he semi-retired in 1982 when he and Anne moved to Mesa, AZ. He officially retired from Law in 1987. Not one to sit idle, Reg found a new career. In 1983 he and Anne briefly owned a local pub called "Favorite", however shortly after selling it they purchased the "G Bar G" and the legend was born. Canadians, especially Winnipeggers, had a place they could call their own in Mesa. Reg and Anne sold the bar in 1991, however from October through April, right up until two weeks before his passing, Reg could be found at his' table from noon until 2:00 having a beer with his buddy Art and many other friends. During the summer months in Winnipeg, his routine consisted of Friday night happy hour at his place in East St. Paul with his family and friends and Saturday afternoons at the 215 Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. A long life well lived. A Special thank you to the staff at Banner Gardens Hospice House in Mesa for their amazing kindness and compassion bestowed upon Reg in his final days. Those wishing to honour Reg's life are invited to a memorial service at Klassen's Funeral Home at 1897 Henderson Hwy., on April 26, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. KLASSEN FUNERAL HOME (204) 338-0331 Condolences may be sent to www.klassenfuneralhome.com
Publish Date: Apr 19, 2014

REGINALD LESLIE SPRAKE FOLLETT Reginald Leslie Sprake Follett of East St. Paul, Manitoba and Mesa, Arizona, after a brief illness has passed away peacefully on March 27, 2014 at the age of 89 years. A longer obituary to follow when funeral service date has been determined. KLASSEN FUNERAL HOME (204) 338-0331 Condolences may be sent to www.klassenfuneralhome.com
Publish Date: Apr 5, 2014

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 19, 2014