Senator Herbert Sparrow was born on Jan. 4, 1930 to Abiah and Olive (Gramson) Sparrow on the family farm near Vanscoy. Even in his youth, it was evident Herb had a bent for business and entrepreneurship. During his remarkably accomplished life, some of Herb's endeavours included bank teller, farmer, rancher, garbage man, excavation and trucking, land developer, general store owner and gold miner. Much of Herb's success was a result of his intelligence and ability. The other reason for his extraordinary accomplishments in business had to do with his love of work - applying himself with energy and determination to the task at hand. Importantly, Herb passed this quality on to his children and grandchildren. By example, he taught them how to work to achieve their goals independently. Herb was justly proud of all of his children and grandchildren.
In 1955, while Herb was employed as a car salesman, he met the famous Colonel Sanders and opened the first drive-in restaurant in North Battleford - the "Ranch House." Three years later, the Ranch House became Kentucky Fried Chicken - the third KFC in Canada and 11th in North America. Some years later, Herb also opened a number of KFC franchises in North Dakota and one in Meadow Lake.
Not content to rest on his laurels, Herb began farming and raising cattle in the mid-1960s. In addition, he expanded his business endeavours to include excavation and gravel hauling and waste disposal. He also owned a general store in Meota. And, as a testament to Herb's confidence and willingness to try his hand at anything that had the potential to succeed, Herb and his friends, Shorty Ranger and Bill Botner, got into gold mining. Finally, one of Herb's big successes centred on land development. Most North Battleford residents are familiar with the upscale residential area in Killdeer Park in the northwest part of the city developed by Herb.
Herb certainly earned the reputation of a hugely successful "visionary businessman." But his many accomplishments in the private sector, his record of service public service life, and his charitable and community work, were even more outstanding.
Herb's career in the Canadian Senate spanned 37 years. It is understating it considerably to say that he was not an average, rank and file member of the Senate. To the contrary, Herb soon acquired the nickname "lone wolf" - a reflection of his predisposition not to uphold the status quo, but to do what was right - to champion the rights of the citizens, and the "little man," he represented.
Herb's primary interest as a senator was to help improve farming, to educate the public with respect to the fundamental importance of preserving the environment and the dangers of soil degradation. Herb was clearly not interested in debating the issues with his colleagues. He was a man of action and determined to make a difference. In 1984, as chair of the Senate Agricultural, Fisheries and Forestry Committee, Herb launched a study of the effects of soil degradation and erosion in Canada. This important initiative was the basis for his committee's report entitled, "Soil at Risk: Canada's Eroding Future." Herb became the president of Soil Conservation of Canada and spread his message across the nation. Herb's volume of work and uncompromising position made him the leading advocate for soil conversation and sustainable farming in the nation. Herb also established the "Save our Soils" program which netted real results, including seeding marginal and saline land. Remarkably, Herb's influence transcended our national borders. His stature was such that he was even invited to consult the United Nations.
Herb was known as a fighter and for getting things done, in large part because of his organizational and strategic skills. Herb's focus on the important issues never wavered. He carried a great deal of weight in Ottawa. Herb also mentored younger politicians including some whose home base was the Battlefords
Few citizens in our great city's 100-year history can compare with Senator Sparrow's record of volunteerism, involvement in charitable causes, and simply giving time and money to the unfortunate. For example, Herb personally sponsored a breakfast program for school children who would have otherwise gone hungry. From 1988 to 2004, 159,530 meals were delivered to city schools. Importantly, he lent his support to the disabled and intellectually challenged. In addition, he gave generously to the Salvation Army and Humane Society. And recently, Herb intervened to help the Indian and Métis Friendship Centre's homeless shelter. It was a testament to Herb's character, that in accomplishing these wonderful endeavours, he did not seek the spotlight or public acclaim. Rather, he did this in a quiet and unassuming manner.
Given Herb's long list of contributions to our nation, and our community, it is not surprising he should be publicly recognized for these accomplishments. In 2012, he was named to the Canadian Conservation Hall of Fame. He received the Order of Canada medal in 2008, the highest honour that can be awarded to a Canadian citizen. He also received the Soil Conservation Society of America honour - a prestigious award for soil conservation. In addition, Herb was the recipient of the H.R. MacMillan Laureate Award in agriculture from the University of Guelph for contributions to agriculture during the years 1984-89. And in 1988, Herb was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws from McGill University, one of the highlights of his life. He was admitted to the Saskatchewan Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2000. He was also given an honorary life membership in the Agricultural Institute of Canada. In addition, he was inducted into the Soil Science Society of Canada as an honorary member. In 1989, Herb was named Citizen of the Decade by the North Battleford Lions and the Battlefords News-Optimist. And, as a gesture of appreciation for Herb's generosity and help, the Battlefords Boys and Girls Club named its recreation area the Herb Sparrow Park.
Herb and Lois enjoyed a long and happy marriage. They were blessed with six wonderful children: Ken (Royane), Joanne, Bryan (Brenda) Laurie (Hector), Rob (Evelyn) and Ron (Lynne) and a large number of amazing grandchildren. Despite Herb's busy schedule and many projects, his greatest joy, and the centre of his life, was his family.
On Aug. 28, 2012, Herb suffered a stroke that incapacitated him. Sadly, on Sept. 6, with his family by his side, Herb passed from this life into eternity. On the occasion of our city's centennial, we pause to remember Senator Herbert O. Sparrow - this great man who gave so much to his country, his province, and his community. (sources: Sparrow family; John Cairns, News-Optimist, Encyclopedia of Saskatchewan)
