Obituary for Allen Frederick Spraggett
ALLEN FREDERICK SPRAGGETT
Journalist, author, broadcaster, psychical researcher, astrologer and ordained minister Allen Spraggett quietly left this life at Southlake Care Village in Newmarket, Ontario, on Tuesday, July 19, in his 90th year. Devoted husband to his beloved Marion (nee Martin) the love of his life for over 68 years. Cherished father of Stephen, Alanna (Peter), Sandra (Bob), Dennis and Kathryn (Bobby). Proud Grandpa to Sean, Carly (Mike), Camille and Eric. Brother of the late Charles (Ruth). Son of the late Henry and Gertrude Spraggett.
Throughout Allen’s life, his passion for learning, reading, music, fine art and his family, including many pets, fed his soul and provided purpose to his journey. His ability to tell a story with great humour and insight left a lasting impression on all who met him. Perhaps Allen’s greatest gift was his ability to empathize, support and provide comfort to family, friends and strangers. He relied on these qualities as he pursued the many avenues of his work.
Serving as pastor ordained by the Open Door Evangelical Churches to congregations throughout Eastern Ontario commencing in 1954 Allen studied at Queen’s University and Queen’s Theological College, Kingston receiving his Bachelor of Arts in 1962. Eventually his life’s work would lead him to be reordained as a Spiritual Science minister and granted a Doctor of Ministry by the International College of Spiritual and Psychic Sciences in 1986.
Allen worked at the Toronto Star as religion editor (1962-69), daily columnist (1969-1971) and wrote the syndicated weekly column The Unexplained (1972-1977). His curious mind led him to research and write eleven books about paranormal activities and the possibility of an after life including biographical works on notable figures related to the field of parapsychology including The Unexplained (1967), Kathryn Kuhlman: The Woman Who Believed in Miracles (1970) and The Psychic Mafia (1976).
Allen became a popular broadcaster in the 1970s and 80s creating and hosting programs for radio (CFRB, CFNY and CKMW) and television including The Occult and innovative panel show Beyond Reason (CBC).
Throughout his career Allen was sought after as a speaker, lecturer, expert and consultant with his work bringing much attention to the developing field of parapsychology. His innovative broadcast programs made information about psychic phenomena, including research in the belief of life after death, accessible to the general public. Retiring from public life after a difficult battle with Leukemia in the late 1980s, Allen primarily practiced as an insightful astrologer and gifted hypnotist for private clients.
Allen lived an extraordinary, meaningful life and the loss of his physical presence among us has gutted his family. His only real regret was having to part from Marion whose name brought a smile to his lips even as he slipped away. Until his final days, he was delighted to share a laugh or a story with anyone lucky enough to spend a few moments by his side. His genuine interest in talking to a someone could make them feel like the most important person in a crowded room. Now that he’s journeyed into the great beyond, he will finally find the answers to questions that shaped his life’s work exploring the Unexplained.
The family wishes to thank the caring staff, volunteers and fellow residents at Southlake Care Village in Newmarket for the exceptional kindness and friendship extended to Allen and the family in his later years. Allen would want a very special thank you extended to Miss Betty Lou who was able to brighten the greyest of days for him.
A Celebration of Life will be planned in the coming weeks. A private internment will take place in Collingwood, Ontario at a later date. If so inspired, memorial donations may be made to the O.S.P.C.A or a mental health charity organization of your choice. On-line condolences at www.roadhouseandrose.com
Journalist, author, broadcaster, psychical researcher, astrologer and ordained minister Allen Spraggett quietly left this life at Southlake Care Village in Newmarket, Ontario, on Tuesday, July 19, in his 90th year. Devoted husband to his beloved Marion (nee Martin) the love of his life for over 68 years. Cherished father of Stephen, Alanna (Peter), Sandra (Bob), Dennis and Kathryn (Bobby). Proud Grandpa to Sean, Carly (Mike), Camille and Eric. Brother of the late Charles (Ruth). Son of the late Henry and Gertrude Spraggett.
Throughout Allen’s life, his passion for learning, reading, music, fine art and his family, including many pets, fed his soul and provided purpose to his journey. His ability to tell a story with great humour and insight left a lasting impression on all who met him. Perhaps Allen’s greatest gift was his ability to empathize, support and provide comfort to family, friends and strangers. He relied on these qualities as he pursued the many avenues of his work.
Serving as pastor ordained by the Open Door Evangelical Churches to congregations throughout Eastern Ontario commencing in 1954 Allen studied at Queen’s University and Queen’s Theological College, Kingston receiving his Bachelor of Arts in 1962. Eventually his life’s work would lead him to be reordained as a Spiritual Science minister and granted a Doctor of Ministry by the International College of Spiritual and Psychic Sciences in 1986.
Allen worked at the Toronto Star as religion editor (1962-69), daily columnist (1969-1971) and wrote the syndicated weekly column The Unexplained (1972-1977). His curious mind led him to research and write eleven books about paranormal activities and the possibility of an after life including biographical works on notable figures related to the field of parapsychology including The Unexplained (1967), Kathryn Kuhlman: The Woman Who Believed in Miracles (1970) and The Psychic Mafia (1976).
Allen became a popular broadcaster in the 1970s and 80s creating and hosting programs for radio (CFRB, CFNY and CKMW) and television including The Occult and innovative panel show Beyond Reason (CBC).
Throughout his career Allen was sought after as a speaker, lecturer, expert and consultant with his work bringing much attention to the developing field of parapsychology. His innovative broadcast programs made information about psychic phenomena, including research in the belief of life after death, accessible to the general public. Retiring from public life after a difficult battle with Leukemia in the late 1980s, Allen primarily practiced as an insightful astrologer and gifted hypnotist for private clients.
Allen lived an extraordinary, meaningful life and the loss of his physical presence among us has gutted his family. His only real regret was having to part from Marion whose name brought a smile to his lips even as he slipped away. Until his final days, he was delighted to share a laugh or a story with anyone lucky enough to spend a few moments by his side. His genuine interest in talking to a someone could make them feel like the most important person in a crowded room. Now that he’s journeyed into the great beyond, he will finally find the answers to questions that shaped his life’s work exploring the Unexplained.
The family wishes to thank the caring staff, volunteers and fellow residents at Southlake Care Village in Newmarket for the exceptional kindness and friendship extended to Allen and the family in his later years. Allen would want a very special thank you extended to Miss Betty Lou who was able to brighten the greyest of days for him.
A Celebration of Life will be planned in the coming weeks. A private internment will take place in Collingwood, Ontario at a later date. If so inspired, memorial donations may be made to the O.S.P.C.A or a mental health charity organization of your choice. On-line condolences at www.roadhouseandrose.com