Rev. Ernest J. Sperring 1921 - 2009 Rev. Ernest J. Sperring, 87, of Moncton, passed peacefully from his earthly home at ProTem Health Services, to be with his Lord and Saviour, whom he loved with all his heart, soul and mind, on Friday, March 27th, 2009. Born in Ontario, New York, he was the son of the late Gilbert George and Flora (Craze) Sperring. Ernest was a retired Baptist Clergyman, a loving husband, wonderful dad and grandpa who prayed faithfully for his family, even until the end. He dedicated his life to serving his Lord and Saviour. After serving in the United States Navy during the Second World War in both the European and Pacific Theaters of War, he began his studies for the Gospel Ministry. Ernest graduated from Houghton College, Houghton, New York with a BA and entered Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Philadelphia from which he received both his MDiv and ThM degrees. He served churches in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and The Columbia Street Baptist Church in Bangor, Maine. Ernest began his ministry at Highfield Baptist Church in July 1971 and served that Church until September 1974 when he became Pastor at Large for Area Three of the Atlantic United Baptist Convention. He served in that position until November 1986, at which time he taught courses at Atlantic Baptist University for three years and served as interim pastor in several NB Churches. In 2003 he was appointed Pastor Emeritus of Highfield Baptist Church. He and his first wife Ethel proudly became Canadian Citizens on September 21st, 1977. He began serving as Pastor of Visitation at Highfield Street Baptist Church in July 1998. Ernest will be sadly missed by his wife, Maria (Hoven) of over 25 years; his children, Enid Eck (Brian), La Mirada, CA, James Sperring (Wendy), San Bruno, CA, Audrey Kimball (John), San Francisco, CA; Edwin Mann (Dawn), Salisbury, Anna Tucker (Albert), Moncton, Debbie Steeves (Dan), Berry Mills, Wendy Mann-Sperring (James), San Bruno, CA; grandchildren, Erik Eck (Amanda), Jenna Kranzberg (Joey), Sarah Blakney (Troy), Nancy Buhlman, Laura Wright (Jeffrey), Charleen Broad (Ronald), David Tucker, Barbara Herringa (John), Tiffany, Ashley and Jared Steeves; 11 great grandchildren; sister, Audrey Spinichia (Chiro), Rochester, NY; brother, Gilbert, Rochester, NY; sister-in-law, Doris Sperring, Zeyphrhills, FL; sister-in-law, Mary Sperring, Houston, TX; several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, predeceased by his first wife of 40 years, Ethel (Hutchinson) (1982), mother of Enid, James and Audrey; brothers, Ross and Lance. Visitation at Ferguson Knowles Funeral Home, 1657 Mountain Road, Moncton (858-1995), Sunday, 2 to 4, 7 to 9 pm. Funeral Service, Highfield Baptist Church, Monday, March 30th, 2009, 2:00 pm, Rev. Jonathan Steeper officiating. Reception following the service. Interment, Boundary Creek Cemetery. In Ernest's memory, donations to Highfield Baptist Church Memorial Fund or Atlantic Baptist University (Rev. Ernest J. Sperring Scholarship Fund) would be appreciated. Online condolences at www.fergusonknowlesfh.com