Russell Sparrow

Dear Barney, Wes, and Families,

Just wanted to share with you that we think Russ left quite a legacy in Ulm. It was January, 1978 that we moved to the area and obtained our first post office box in Ulm.

The funeral was a very nice tribute to Russ. Pastor Haney provided a good overview of his spirit, both the soft and the courage-of-my-convictions sides of him. Although he took great pleasure in wearing the cap that read, "Grumpy Old ----", he really showed us numerous times...

Dear Wes and Barney & family,
We were very sad to hear about Russ. My husband and I had just been talking about Russ and that we hadn't seen him at the Golden Corral Restaurant lately. We are sorry we could not make it to the funeral but we wanted to pass on our sympathy to you both.
Sincerely,
Brad, Rhonda(Smiley), and Morgan Umphres

Dear Wes, Barney, & family,

I was saddened to read about the passing of your father. He was a great person and a great loss to the community. All will miss him. We unfortunately will not be able to attend the service. Please accept our condolences and prayers in the days to come.
Warmest Regards,
Kevin and Helene Moore and family

I have very fond memories of Russ and the mail office. My condolences and may god bless you and your family.

Barney and Wes,
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. I remember your folks quite well and the time we spent together. When we moved to Ulm in 1964 and lived down the street from your family we spent a lot of time at your home. Our Dad's fishing for salmon and Super Bowl Sunday's at your home. Great Times, great memories. My family wishes for you fond memories to keep your father alive in your hearts. He was a wonderful man.

MY SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY OF RUSS. WHEN WE FIRST MOVED IN THE AREA HE WAS THE POSTMASTER. THAT SEEMED TO BE THE "GATHERING" PLACE TO SOCAILIZE. I REMEMBER HIS SUB, CAROL BONNETT, MADE HIM A STOOL THAT HAD COWBOY BOOTS FOR THE LEGS AS A JOKE. MY HUSBAND, GLEN, WOULD SNOW PLOW BUSINESS' IN GREAT FALLS & MAKE A TRIP TO HIS HOUSE TO PLOW. HE WILL BE MISSED BY THOSE WHO KNEW HIM. GOD'S BLESSINGS TO YOU.

On Wednesday evening of last week, I was actually enjoying memories of the Ulm Store and your folks.....the penny candy, the kindness of Mr. Sparrow behind that counter....seeing those little mail boxes and the taking in the smells of the store were always something I looked forward to, as much as the treasures I could purchase with my dime. My thoughts of comfort go out to you....with love, Wanda Meer

Dear Barney, Wes & family,
Though we did not have the pleasure of knowing Mr. Sparrow, he was, obviously, a very special person to many. Please accept our condolences and prayers for God to comfort and strengthen you in the days to come.

I have many fond memories of visiting with Russ at the Post Office in his home. The first time I met him, I was the new pastor at the Ulm Bible Church. When I walked in he asked me, "Who the he!! are you?" I loved him from that moment. He was a good friend and will be greatly missed by those who knew him.