Mansfield D. Sprague

SPRAGUE, MANSFIELD D.

Died at home on March 25, 2006, leaving behind his beloved wife, Chilant; his daughter, Susan; his son, Dan and his wife, Marie; his three grandsons, Eric, Ethan and Cullen; and six wonderful great-grandchildren.

Mansfield was born December 1, 1910 and was a graduate of Dartmouth College and Yale Law School. He practiced law in Bridgeport, Connecticut and raised his family in New Canaan, Connecticut and Matunuck, Rhode Island.

Mansfield had an impressive public service career beginning with service as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy 1943 - 1945. He served three terms in the Connecticut House of Representatives between 1947 and 1954, and as Speaker in 1954. He was appointed General Counsel for the Department of Defense by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1955 and later served as Assistant Secretary for International Security Affairs. In 1959, he became vice president and a director of AMF, Inc., a multi-national corporation. In 1976, Sprague was appointed Counselor to then Secretary Elliott Richardson at the Department of Commerce.

Manny and his wife retired to Ojai, California in the late 1970's, where he became deeply involved in civic activities including service as chairman and board of directors of the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy. Manny loved his country and the special communities in which he lived. A lifelong sportsman, he especially enjoyed playing tennis, golf and swimming. His family and friends will always remember his vibrant spirit and wonderful sense of humor.

Services in California. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of the privately owned and operated Clausen Funeral Home, Ojai, CA.