New Glasgow - J. Allison Sproull. On Saturday, October 21, 2017, James Allison Sproull, age 86, passed away in New Glasgow, NS. Born February 13, 1931 in New Glasgow, Allison was a son of the late James and Gladys (MacPherson) Sproull. He was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Ruth (Hayden) Sproull; brother, Douglas (Marcelyn) Sproull. Leaving to mourn with his loving precious memories are son, William (Julie) Sproull, Mississauga, ON; daughter, Anne Sproull (Charles), Vancouver, BC; grandchildren: Emma Sise, Kate and Brooke Sproull; sister, Carolyn (Barrie) MacMillan, New Glasgow, NS; brother, Edwin (Diane) Sproull, Trenton, NS; sister-in-law, Ria (Hinni) Martens, Clarence, NY; brother-in-law, Dr. Colin Campbell, Memphis, TN; numerous nieces and nephews, and special niece, Jan.
Allison began attending New Glasgow High School in 1945. Besides his studies, his interests included school sports programs and the pipe band. Upon graduation in 1949, he spent time working locally before being accepted in Dalhousie University’s Science Program, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1960. He was hired by Imperial Oil and transferred to Ontario, where he moved from marketing to distribution and finally to the Environmental Division, which was then becoming an important consideration in the industry. In the event of an oil spill or other environmental compromise, he was the company’s representative to any committee.
After 17 years of service to Imperial Oil, he chose to leave in order to accept the position of VP, Commercial Division at Miller Paving. He was responsible for the development and management of several operations, but primarily asphalt recycling. Miller Paving brought the first asphalt milling machines to Ontario, where they were pioneers in implementing this economical process which transformed the industry in Canada and North America. As demand grew, Miller Paving opened branches in Quebec, Atlantic Canada and the South Eastern US, with offices in Atlanta, Georgia.
In 2000 Allison retired from Miller Paving after 23 years of service, and he and Ruth returned home to Nova Scotia, settling in Halifax. When Ruth became ill five years later, Allison cared for her faithfully until she passed away in 2011. He then moved to New Glasgow in 2015, where he enjoyed time with his siblings and their families, many close friends, and visits from children and grandchildren. “Big Al” loved friendly company, a good joke, a familiar song, and a fine cigar-in that order, but preferably all together.
The family would like to thank the Newfoundland ladies, Kathy Savoury and Betty Neal; Dr. Jeans, Dr. Kwasnik and the Aberdeen Palliative Care; and the VON for their care. Special thanks to the Ambulatory Treatment Clinic, Aberdeen Hospital, where Allison was cared for as family.
Visitation 2-4 and 6-8 pm Tuesday in the R.H. Porter Funeral Home, 55 Almont Ave., New Glasgow, from where funeral service will take place at 2 pm Wednesday with Rev. Dr. Glen Matheson and Rev. Pat Rose officiating. Burial will be in Heatherdale Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name to the Ambulatory Treatment Clinic, in care of the Aberdeen Hospital, would be greatly appreciated by the family. Condolences may be sent by visiting: www.rhporter.ca