Mourners say goodbye to Bishop John Sperry

February 21, 2012

Yellowknife, N.W.T. - Several well-wishers and mourners got a chance to say goodbye one last time to Bishop John Sperry this past Saturday.

The Shorty Brown Arena at the Multiplex was the site for Sperry's funeral and featured eulogies from people such as Nunavut's commissioner, Edna Elias, NWT commissioner George Tuccaro and former Anglican Archbishop of the Yukon, Terry Buckle.

Reverend Ron McLean of Holy Trinity Anglican Church said having the service in a hockey arena was appropriate, considering Sperry's life in the North.

"Bishop Sperry had travelled the Arctic by dog team for many years and it's a cold journey as you're doing that," he said. "In the arena, it was a cool service in both ways. The temperature was a little cool, everyone kept their coats on but also, it was kind of cool how well the service went."

McLean also said the common theme among the speakers was one of love for everything in his life.

"The love that Bishop John had for the people, the love for our Lord and how he treated everyone equal," he said.

Part of the service included Joint Task Force North, of which Sperry served as chaplain for many years, and they played a big role in the service with Captain Conrad Schubert placing medals on his coffin and a letter of condolence from Brigadier-General Guy Hamel.

Following the service, Sperry was taken to his final resting place at Lakeview Cemetery.

CJCD Mix 100 News