Today, I have been reflecting on so many great memories with this amazing Man who somehow made such an impact on so many peoples life, including mine. I will forever cherish the time I was blessed to spend with Ave. My heart and prayers goes out to the entire Family today. Miss you always my Friend and will never forget out time together. Bill

Remembering and sending a prayer out on the second death anniversary of this fine, fine man who I was fortunate enough to count as a good friend. Graham Hicks

Dear Priscilla, I was shocked today to hear of Abe's passing You and your family are in our prayers. May the Holy Spirit bring the comfort that will be needed in the days, months and years to come. 

Dear Priscilla and family,
As many, we were very shocked to hear about Ave's passing. Brian and I just wanted to extend our condolences to you during this time and to let you know that you are in our prayers. Sincerely, Brian and Wendy Ilnicki

Ave was as great of a contributor to his community as he was to his family.
When an ill informed local politician said that Aves company never did much for the community I was furious and promptly filled her in.
When I mentioned it to Ave he calmly informed me he was not too concerned about her statement and took it all in stride.

Ave not only contributed to his local community but to worthy causes all over the county ,Edmonton and elsewhere.

Ave also had a little thirst for danger letting me take his boat and trying to pull him up in a parasail. Not being used to that much power I Ultimately drug him through the mud instead. Much to the horror of Pricilla But Ave calmly got up and went on to his next task.

Our family will miss him and we were privileged to know him as a friend.

Priscilla, just wanted to let you know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Take care.

Like many, I was completely shocked to read about Ave's passing in the Journal today. Ave was a great friend in our high school years at Shep. We bought our first boat together in 1979 and took many of our high school pals on "celebrity ski dates" they were the celebrities and paid for the boat gas. We enjoyed many sledding trips, boat holidays in BC. and played a lot of volleyball together after high school. Ave was a real competitor with a gentle disposition and that wonderful deep laugh. I really appreciated his business savvy and like many of his friends, filled our garage with the tools and toys he was passionate to share and sell us. The world could sure use more guys like Ave. For those of us who knew him...its up to us to carry that spirit and grab the rope. Im missing you Ave.

I'm so sorry. This is such a shock. All my best wishes to you and your family. Big hugs and lots of love,
Wilma

To Priscilla and family; we were friends long before kids and us moving away and yet still consider Ave and yourselves friends. We often saw Ave for a few minutes at the Calgary Boat Show and kept up with your wonderful family from a distance.
We are deeply saddened to hear of your loss, Ave was a remarkable man that touched so many lives in a positive way.

Brent and Kim Harrison and family 

Ave was a tremendous supporter of towed water sports in Alberta and an advocate for young competitors. He will be missed.

It was a very, very sad day, when we heard of Ave’s passing, and still can hardly believe it’s true.
We have held the utmost respect for Ave over the years from buying wakeboards when he was at Huston Leisure, to buying several MasterCrafts from Ave. It was always a most pleasurable experience and looked forward to the next time to see Ave.

Wont ever be able to replace that relationship, ever!

I always would ask if Ave would happen to be around at the Kelowna store when we would drop in.

Our sincere condolences to the family.

We first met Ave in 1988. We really liked him . He sold us a boat!!!
It was our good fortune that we continued to know and watch the Spratt family grow. We prayed and sang together as we attended church.
Little did we know that one of the Spratlets jumping out of that big white van would one day be our daughter in law.
When Jeff and Carleen became a couple we were delighted!!! 
Knowing and loving the Spratt family has been a gift to us.
We accept the challenge to be there for the beautiful grandchildren we share, Paxon, Serena, and Hyland . And any more if they lose count!!
We will do our best to help them remember and to know how much you loved them , Ave.

Love, Gerry & Janet

We are so sad to hear of Ave’s sudden passing. Priscilla, our hearts go out to you and your family.
Whenever we crossed paths with Ave, whether it was at a boat show, back in the day, or at a gathering at Lyle and Rema’s, he never failed to say hi and ask us how we were doing and what we had been up to since the last time... He would always listen with patience and genuine interest, even though construction projects in the oil industry were not exactly in his wheelhouse!
He was an extremely nice guy and a pleasure to visit with over all these years.

I remember Ave from growing up with the Spratt’s. Me and Marina have been best friends since I can even remember. I remember numerous boat rides on all the new fancy boats. Ave always trying to teach me how to learn to surf without a rope...he never gave up, but I was hopeless. Lol. Me and marinas countless sleepovers, one time we were going downstairs to hang out in Marinas room and Mr. Spratt was watching a movie by himself and he goes “Do you guys wanna watch this with me?” And we could obviously not say no...so we sat and watched this movie with him, and I don’t even remember what movie it was but the way he asked us was just so cute.
My deepest condolences to the family. Love you guys so much.

Our sincere sympathy to you and your family. We don't travel to the west often but I do remember Ave taking us for a ride in your boat years ago, a memory we will always cherish. Love Rick and Marcia Podolinsky

We had the pleasure of learning, laughing and journeying with Ave through a variety of shared passions. Whether it be boats, waterskiing, dog training, ride alongs, boat factory touring or just visiting there was always something to learn from Ave. He always asked about family first and business second and genuinely wanted to know how everyone was doing.

We learned many things from Ave including the proper way to treat people, how to build community, supporting people to achieve their dreams and goals, family first, how to live life to its fullest and most importantly how to just be a great person.

To Priscilla and the rest of the Spratt family, may the cherished memories you have and positive impact Ave has had on individuals, families and communities help you in the days, weeks, months and years to come.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Tom, Nikki, Zac & Maksi Pallas

Dear Priscilla and family
Our deepest condolences on Aves passing ❤️
We remember meeting Ave and Priscilla at church , we were all members of marriage preparation at one point. Sharing stories to young couples who were about to marry, letting them know to never give up, lean on each other and trust in God.
Our daughters became good friends and our friendship was constant in the distant .
Praying Gods peace and love continue to bless you all in the coming days
Such a wonderful man and inspiration to all !
Gods peace be with you

I think one of the most fundamental attributes that Ave had was the spectacular reach that he had to touch on so many people's live in such positive ways, myself and my family's included. My family may not have been closest with Ave but he was always more than happy to help and move things around at the shop to make our life that much easier.

Everytime we would pull up to the dock to pick up the boys to go for a ride, Ave always had a clever remark that you couldn't help but awkwardly laugh at since you couldn't tell if he was serious or not. The first thing we did when we would pick up our new boat was take it by Ave's place. His thumbs up was the official seal of approval that we made the right colour choice!

Something that came along with our love for the lake life and spending as much time as possible on the water is that we got to make friends with some of the other kids on the lake. The Spratt boys being our favorite and the most fun the hangout with! In the past few years I really got an inside look to what kind of a family Ave had created and how much passion, kindness and the willingness to always help out was prevalent in that household.

It's impossible to dismiss Ave's influence when I look at some of the things that I hold with upmost importance in my life; those being spending time at the Jackfish lake as well as my deep passion for watersports and snowmobiling. When we were first introduced to the Spratt family 10 years ago, that spark was there, but Ave and his family ignited that spark and became a huge part in creating something that my family holds so dearly.

I truly hope Ave knew how much his efforts in his business and family life impacted an entire community. I look forward to watching his children, who I'm lucky enough to call my good friends, carry out his legacy and live life to the fullest every step of the way.

It is with a heavy heart and trembling hands that I write. Words alone are not enough to express the deep loss felt by Brenda, Madi and myself. It has taken me a few days to comprehend Ave's passing. Now, having reflected on the profound impact that Ave has had on our lives I struggle with how to summarize so many fond memories. Spruce Grove Marineland, Sun Dogs Water Ski Club, Huston Leisure, LA Ski, Jackfish Lake.....mere words that convey so much meaning and that each carry a story that I have relived over the past days with laughter, tears, and love. Thanks Ave, I can sincerely say that you have had a boundless influence on shaping the life we live today through your generosity, integrity, and friendship.

Ave, my best buddy during our high school years. So many memories! Driving those nice cars from the car dealership, Ave taught me how to drive! Learning how to snow mobile ( and to never call it a skidoo!) Long talks and steak dinners. Parties - just a few of those, it was high school after all! Boyfriends and girlfriends (and the drama that goes with). You were always so good to me and looked out for me. I know we gradually lost touch but I love you my friend and I will miss you. 

To the Spratt family,

We would like to express our deepest sympathy to all of you. We had the honour of doing the marriage prep course through Priscilla and Ave in their lovely home on Jackfish, and their outstanding love for one another and their family will leave a life long impression in our hearts.

Ave had great advice during the course, making most of us laugh with joy, which put a smile on his face and Priscilla’s.

Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs to you all. You’re all in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Trevor, Jenn, Emma and Dylan Dowhaniuk ❤️❤️

To Priscilla and family.

We are praying for Ave and for you all on this day. I pray that God comforts you at this time. You have always been such a special family. I still remember you sitting near us at the old church. Your girls were so small and would sneak waves at us. We could see the love in your beautiful family as it continued to grow. Ave was so kind-hearted and we will truly miss him. May God bless you and give you peace.

With love from Julie, Gillian and Jason

I grew up going to boat shows and ski events in the early 90s. I always remember a big guy named Ave being on the scene, often with the mic. I remember the Cam Am challenge at Shalom with Roberge, Duvall and the Llewellyn bros. Ave seemed to be making stuff happen and I noticed - even at 12 yrs old. You would always see him and hear him at boat shows - big laugh, and big authenticity. At that point, I had no idea the impact that he would have on my life.

In my first semester of graduate studies at the U, a health glitch derailed me and I decided to look around for my "first real job". I stopped in at Martin and asked around. I ended up at the Deere building with Jeff Y and Ave. I knew exactly who Ave was, but he had no clue who I was. I don't think I would have got the job if Ave hadn't of sat in - I didn't interview well, but I think he saw my passion for motorsports & family fun on the lake. I got the job and the only reason I mention my path to applying, is because that job meant alot to me at a big cross-roads in my life. I was, and still am very grateful.

I got to experience Ave Spratt in all his professional business glory. He was always looking sharp, on time, smelling good and he had a pace and urgency that would slow down for customer conversations, and accelerate when it was time to work, setup, tear down, clean machines in the floor, tidy up your work area...whatever. You could tell he loved what he did and cared for his team - always leading by example. But he wasn't putting up with mediocre efforts that's for sure. He'd come into the dealership with this presence and pace that would catch you by surprise and always make you want to be better. He made you want to be better.

Before big events he would share some thoughts and strategy and goals to inspire the sales and support teams. I am so grateful that I was there. He always had analogies and ways of explaining things so they would stick in your head and leave an impact. I have a deeply held faith so when I came to know him better and see him in his cherished role of loyal husband and dedicated father and leader in his faith community...it started to make sense where the "big presence" came from. It was the spirit of God...because this fella was all integrity. Make a promise to the customer. Make a promise to your spouse. Make a promise to your children. Make a promise to God....and then keep those promises. I got to go into his house once - it felt like a blessed place. I remember mentioning that feeling to my Dad.

I'll never go into Martin or a powersports dealership or see an old Brendella (or Mastercraft or Supra or John Deere), or a LA Ski vest or tube without thinking of Ave. I had him come and speak to a group of people a few years back. Just like many others have mentioned, he volunteered his time and shared his thoughts on "thinking and going big in business and life". This is what Ave Spratt did.

Sorry for the long post. I needed a bit of therapy. Love and prayers to all those lucky folks who knew him much better than I did. Thank-you Priscilla and family for sharing him with us.

Ave was a genuine gentleman who displayed a strong faith which was clearly evident in how he treated others. It was always a real pleasure to chat with Ave and to serve as a Eucharistic minister with him. Certainly Ave was a leader by example in our parish and he made our community a better place. Ave will be dearly missed. My family sends our deepest condolences and prayers to Priscilla and the whole Spratt family. May God bless, Grant Barron 

Have many special memories with Ave. We first met in high school days when he came out to the Ardrossan area frequently. I bought one of the first Ski Brendella's that he brought in that was supposed to be his demo boat which he later found out had a prototype engine. I continued to be a customer buying many of the LA brand water toys. Also he helped myself and other friends with the purchase of John Deere lawn tractors. In later years we continued our friendship on other sides of the fence with myself helping to sell competitors boats. I will always remember Ave as a true family man living life to it's fullest.

1996 I met Ave for the first time. He was our MB rep and he taught me to drive a ski boat for the first time. Through the years a respectful wave and hello across the isle at boat shows, dealer meetings. When my wife and I had our own personal tragedy Ave crossed the isle with purpose at the first opportunity to ask how we were.
A role model to dozens, probably hundreds. A teacher to all who were smart enough to listen. My tribute is simple, Thank You Ave, Thank You for everything. Job well done.

I knew Ave (or rather, Mr. Spratt) by being the best friend to his daughter, Carleen (aka Carl). Carl and I were childhood best friends since we were 4 and 5 years old, both growing up on Jackfish Lake together. This meant I spent many lake days and sleepovers at "The Spratt's".

Reflecting on the kind of person Ave was during those childhood years, the word that comes to mind is jolly. Full of life, always. A big smile and the deepest, best laugh I've ever heard. It was always a special treat to go boating with the Spratt's as Ave always had the newest and biggest boat on the lake!

Despite being able to recognize his true nature and spirit now, the truth is back then I was usually more intimidated and scared of BIG Mr. Spratt than anything else in my small world. Nothing was more terrifying than sitting down at the dinner table and Mr. Spratt asking me a question; or when he answered the phone instead of Carl when I called. I think he knew that he was the big and intimidating father figure to the friends of his children, and I think he got a lot of joy out of pretending to play the part. I can only imagine the twinkle in his eye and the smirk I am sure he shared with Mrs. Spratt every time I would sheepishly avert his gaze.

An actual gentle giant, Ave never seemed to take anything too seriously. He just lived in the moment and radiated heaps and heaps of joy. At the time, I wouldn't have been able to recognize just how rare and incredibly unique it is to meet someone like that, but now as an adult, I do. I will be forever grateful to him for being the absolute BEST dad to my closest friend, and for the part he played in helping to create some of my most cherished childhood memories with his family. Rest in peace, Ave.

Don and I met Ave back in the eighties when our two boys were getting seriously involved in water skiing. While Ave was serving as President of Water Ski Alberta I had the pleasure of working with him on the executive. He was a progressive, diligent, positive force to work with. Ave made the exciting happen and always with that big grin.

In 1992 Don invited Ave and Priscilla to the US Masters Invitational ski tournament at Calloway Gardens, Georgia. It was Kreg's 5th invitation and Jaret's first. Together we witnessed Jaret set his first World Jump Record. Kreg won the Trick event and Jaret won his first Masters Overall title. Ave was as elated as we all were. Don loved that Ave and Priscilla were there with us to celebrate and a bond was formed.

Don came home with a passion to host a similar tournament in Canada that would grow year after year as the Masters had. Ave and Don organized the first Canadian Water Ski Classic which was a special invitational tournament for the very top international overall skiers. There had never been a high level water ski event like this in Alberta or Canada before but together they made it happen.

Ave and Priscilla travelled with us again to the Water Ski Worlds in Austria and then down to Italy all while Priscilla was expecting their first baby, Laurenne.
Special memories shared.

Ave volunteered for many years as our favorite announcer at all the big ski tournaments in Alberta. He cheerfully recited each skiers accomplishments and recognized their talent and dedication. He presented awards with delight and respect. Always with perfect class.

For many years Ave helped Kreg and Jaret with sponsorships. He was always open to their calls and did everything he could to help them. They both hold much gratitude and respect for him.

His spectacular displays at all the boat shows were amazing to see. Nothing was ever mediocre. His boats front and center from the entrance doors. Jaret loved to come home and help where ever he could. Ave made a conscious effort to appreciate his staff and all his clients. 

Our family absolutely required Ave to be the special presenter at all Hall of Fame inductions which he always made a special effort to come too, often traveling long distances. Ave and Priscilla joined us in Red Deer in 2019 when Kreg was inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame. I am thankful that his love spilled our way and that we could return it.

Ave and priscilla made a very special trip to see me last November sharing their hearts with me. We toured "Don's" town and remembered. I'm so very thankful for that visit.

Ave was larger than life but his path was clear. With his faith in our Lord God and united in loyal love to Priscilla he made life a joy. He openly loved and treasured his family and friends. His precious life will remain a part of everyone who had the honor of knowing him.

Sincere sympathy to Priscilla and all Ave's family
Love

Brian and I first met Ave and Priscilla when we moved to Edmonton 20 years ago. They immediately welcomed us into their home and became amazing mentors and friends in our Regnum Christi family. They were also our choice of godparents for our daughter Angela, and have consistently prayed for her. We will always remember Ave to be full of joy, warmth, hard-working, faith-filled, an incredible apostle, and leader. We will miss Ave and are so grateful for his incredible life, so well-lived!

Sometimes Jesus welcomes a favorite child home early as a testimony for the rest of us. While we will miss Ave beyond words, we know where we shall meet again. Ave lived and finished well. Praise be to God.

I first met Ave when I brought the first Supra in Canada to the Edmonton Boat Show in 1986. Ave was working at Spruce Grove Marineland at the time. Their display was across the aisle, so we were able to spend time during the show on the aisle carpet talking about the boat. We turned that chance meeting into a 30 year plus relationship in the marine business.

So many great memories along the way, like meeting Ave and Gerry at Mara Lake so they could take SGM's first Comp back to Edmonton, seeing photos of a Comp used as a getaway vehicle at Ave and Priscilla's wedding, those epic overnight trips through the Coquihalla and Yellowhead moving the Vancouver boats to Edmonton for the next show, and later receiving a very unusual marine based birth announcement proudly heralding Laurenne's arrival.

He loved fast toys. Many years ago, we so looked forward to the kart track at West Edmonton Mall after a long day at the boat show. I'm sure it's only me, but I found the worst place to be on the track was to be leading and insisting Ave had to earn the pass. Paul Tracy had nothing on Ave when it came to aggressive driving.

My last contact with Ave was when he was at Area 27 in Oliver for an advanced lapping course at the beginning of May. It would have been great to get together on their kart track and get schooled again on passing techniques, but scheduling didn't work out, and I'll forever have to treasure those text messages as our last conversation.

Rest in Peace, my friend. May your family find solace in knowing you lived your life to the fullest.

One earlier tribute started with something like "I think Ave left a lasting legacy with all of the Spratt's kids' friends"... and I couldn't agree more!

I was fortunate enough to grow up across the street from the Spratts in Spruce Grove before they moved out to the lake - Laurenne was my very first friend, with our birthdays only 6 months apart. Even after they moved to the lake, our families remained close throughout my childhood, with many fond memories of time spent with Ave & Priscilla and their kids.

Ave's legacy lives on in so many ways: from his patience & encouragement in teaching me and 100s of others how to tackle every water sport under the sun, to his unwavering support & counsel for every ambitious/ridiculous entrepreneurial idea his children and their friends came up with.

A great man lost far too soon - may he rest in peace. Sending all my love to the Spratts.

I don't even know where to begin after reading many of these tributes about Ave. I've known Ave for nearly 15 years.
I was introduced to Ave via Regnum Christi and he immediately struck me as a strong leader and joyful man of faith. I knew nothing about his history with Martin Equipment, his family and faith life. But over the years and especially his contributing time with the Camp RIvendell and Arcatheos summer camps got to know a man who dedicates his all with a gift of care, joy and sharing all that he knows about leadership at a high level.
I appreciated how he cared for each and every member of my family, and with that we chose Ave and Priscilla to be godparents to our first son Alex. Alex was well cared for spiritually by Ave, I can rest assured and even more so now with Ave in the loving arms of our King. Alex found the news difficult to take on Sunday, and I myself was stopped in my tracks when i heard the news whlie setting up for a livestream mass in Prince George. My prayers are with Priscilla and all the Spratt family as you grieve.
My fondest memories with Ave were business lunches to catch up on family life and the business world as I am a banker by trade. The visits to his house on the lake along with rides on all those amazing watercrafts were always a blast. All good and caring memories each time we connected
Blessings and RIP my brother in Christ, Ave!

We only met Ave & Priscilla in the last 18 months when we moved across the street from them. In our very few encounters, Ave welcomed us to the neighbourhood and - twice - complimented us on our new fence we built. Not very profound, but if he could make such a good impression in three short visits, I can hardly imagine the impact he had on all of you who knew him for much longer. Our deepest sympathies to the Spratt family and all of Ave's friends.
Clayton Beebe & Jen Prestash

I think Ave has a lasting legacy to all of the Spratt's kids friends. Their home was always so open for a boat ride, meal, hot-tub, skate or a good prayer.

Marina and I were quite close back in high school, and I remember going over to her place a few times, always stoked to jump in the lake and use whatever top-notch boat they would graciously let us use that year. Water sports were always huge at the Spratt house, however I never had a whole lot of water sport experience, often not even attempting things like wake surfing off other friends/family's boats. But, I remember going out to the lake there one summer, sit on the back of the boat, and watch as everyone else wake surfed. Then, out of the blue, Ave came over to me to tell me all the tips and tricks he knew about wake surfing and encouraging me to get out there and "just try it". I got to the back of the boat and just immediately face planted a couple of times. Thinking that I was being a nuisance making him turn the boat around each time I, remember saying, "that's okay I'll just try again another day". But he was so encouraging telling me that I could do it and to "just try again", whipping the boat back and forth to line me up for another go. I honestly think he did this for like an hour, and eventually after many, many more tries, and lots of encouragement from the boat, I actually did get up (for a few seconds lol) and the boat -and Ave-erupted in cheers.
Ave was the encourager for so many, a moral compass to check yourself with, and a wonderful father to even those not his own.
He will be remembered by so many for the amazing man that he was.

My deepest sympathies,
Julia Robertson

I am truly blessed to have been able to spend time with Ave and the Spratt family. The love and passion for car racing brought our families together.
Ave was a true bright light and I am extremely grateful for every opportunity we got to see each other.

You will be truly missed.

I met Ave when we were schoolmates at Inglewood (so many years ago I know we would both laugh about it now). We were friends through Junior High (Westmount) and High School (Ross Shep). Our lives drifted apart when I moved from Edmonton in the mid 80's, but I have many memories of Ave, some I would like to share. My first exposure to Volleyball was when Ave's family would rent the gym at Westmount Junior High, and invite a bunch of people - Ave was always the last one off the court. When the Spratt family first bought an acreage just outside Edmonton, Ave invited me for a day of snowmobiling. I rode with Ave, and he drove so darn fast, I don't think I have ridden on a snowmobile since! Ave used to come out to our family cottage at Wizard Lake - even way back then, I remember how excited he was to come to the lake. One year, Ave & I went Halloweening together - just the 2 of us. Ave figured that it was better to run through the Bel Air apartments (rather than houses on the streets), because we could get more candy, faster (and we did!). The memory that I will always have, is when Ave unexpectedly came to my Mom's funeral (20 years ago). I hadn't seen Ave for 10-15 years before that, and was surprised to see him. In reading all of your tributes, I now know I should not have been surprised. I sure wish I would have kept in touch over all the years.

Priscilla and family, Ave was a special man and someone that we enjoyed chatting with at our family get togethers. Although it wasn’t often that we saw each other, he will be remembered and remain in our hearts ♥️.

RIP Ave, you will be missed by all who knew you.
Hugs to all of your family. Love Maria and Ian

I met Ave working at Martin Equipment. Out of all the managers, the owners and operators at the dealership, Ave Spratt was the only one to make me shake in my boots. I later learned that Ave was in fact a gentle giant, but in my career at the dealership he was this big presence who commanded attention simply by entering the room. I remember trembling through conversations with him hoping to goodness I wasn't actually in trouble for anything. I will never forget seeing him dressed up as The Godfather at one of our holiday parties. Ave was one of the greatest men I have had the pleasure knowing. His family members are some of my favorite people in this world. Ave, you left such a lasting impact on so many lives and you are truly missed. Thank you for helping to shape my own life and all those that had the pleasure of knowing you. We miss you.

I recall special events at the Sprat family home at Jackfish. From Dances on the beach to Birthday parties. One year during Jackfish Days, Ave said, "Gary, jump on the back of the boat with me we are going to light off a few fireworks." A few?? NOT!!! "Sit on the platform, don't move, and make sure nothing falls off." He had the back the x-45 rigged like a Pro at K-Days! I can tell you to this day, I was absolutely terrified and shaking, as he was laughing at me and saying, "don't be a baby Gmac, we are gonna rock this thing!" So off we go, music blaring onto the pitch black waters of Jackfish, right into the middle of all the other boats out on the water. There was no not going strait into the fire. Of course we were the only boat carrying a ton of explosives. There was no doing it half way, or saying it cant be done. But that was Ave! It was a larger than life show that night, just like the man him self. I can also remember the times when Davis and my son Edward would play against each other in Jr High and High School sports, and especially, volleyball. He would always come over ask about Edward and how he was doing, and of course my daughters. He genuinely took an interest. Even some years after when Edward was playing University ball, he would always make the time to ask how he was doing and say "you got any videos or pictures" Ave liked volleyball! But that was just the way he was. That's how he operated! Nothing but caring and positive comments for other people, as I can recall. Ave and I would often talk about his and my children, many times, sitting together on an airplane. And to all the Spratt clan, you need to know that your father was so very very proud of you all. His face would light up talking about any one of you. You brought him great joy, along with the love of his life, Priscilla, your amazing mom! Ave, you will be dearly missed by us all. Take care bud! God Bless! Gary Mac

Got along with Ave well in high school & we chatted briefly every few years since. Of course I bought my snowmobiles and ski/wakeboard boat from Martin, with Ave’s direct involvement to ensure I was buying the right thing for my needs. Still enjoy the boat 15 yrs hence.

In retrospect, I admire those the most who built something. Ave really built something. He left a legacy of business and family.

Very appreciative of our interactions over the years.

Gary

I have had the pleasure of knowing Ave going way back to our days as kids growing up in Westmount. He was close friends with my brother Michael, Jeff Yee and with many others. Even then - he was always "adventurous", a character, very creative and always determined. Ave was never afraid to take on anything in life. 

In later years, I was lucky to get to know him better - water skiing at the lake, snowmobiling trips, and having great discussions about business or about life in general. (Who could forget all the laughs we had drinking Caesars in a Revelstoke hot tub after sledding !!) I will always remember Ave's infectious laugh. 

Ave was a close friend and an inspiration to so many of us. Although he left us way too soon - Ave will be remembered in a very special way for many many years to come. 

My condolences to Priscilla and to the entire family. May you be comforted knowing we share in your loss. Sending much love... Rob

Our family have known Ave all his life. He always had energy to burn and loved life. He and Priscilla have 8 beautiful children and we were blessed to have visits with them as they grew up. Ave and Prisciilla were the most generous hosts. Ave always gave everything whatever he did. We know we will see him in heaven when its our turn. Maureen and David, Milly and Jeanette

I've spent my career traversing North America, meeting thousands of marine industry professionals from all walks of life and rarely have I ever met someone, anyone, with the compassion, the passion and the utter professionalism as Ave Spratt. Word of his passing stopped me in my tracks on Sunday and left me with a profound feeling of sadness that was soon erased when I thought back to his easy smile. My sincere condolences to the Spratt family and to Ave's second family at MMS.

The first words that come to mind when I think of Ave: knowledgeable, an infectious smile, a loving family man, admired by all that knew him, a friend. Ave's time was cut too short, but he accomplished more than most who have outlived him by decades; he left thousands of people with a positive memory and a desire to emulate him. May he rest in peace knowing he lived his life to the fullest.
My condolences to his family.

Will miss seeing and chatting with him at the shop and at the Sportsmen show. He always made time to chat and catch up whenever I saw him.

During my tenure at MasterCraft, I worked closely with Ave. I have long believed that the real reason we conduct business between one another is that it is Gods plan for us to be used by HIM to bless and be blessed. Ave certainly blessed me and showed me that hard negotiations need not come between building a strong personal relationship between one another. I had huge respect for him and believe that the feeling was reciprocal. Ave demonstrated his faith in his business dealings and went out of his way to express his appreciation to me for helping his team win. His Family will certainly miss him greatly, but so will those who work and played with him. Godspeed, Ave! Heaven is about to become even more glorious!

I first met Ave when he called me in 2003 to inquire about becoming a MasterCraft dealer. That day was the beginning of a special business relationship. Year one Ave agreed to buy 12 MasterCrafts, but let me know his goal was to be MasterCrafts largest dealer. Two years later with Ave's passion and leadership Martin Motor Sports was the largest Mastercraft dealer in the world. I very much admired and respected Ave as a business partner, but more importantly as a Family Man & FRIEND!

God Bless

Don & Deb

I first met Ave in 2003 when I came into the shop to interview for the Hino driver position. After chatting for a bit and a few questions about my background and education, Ave said the job was mine if I wanted it. He followed that statement with "However....I see something more in you and I think you're capable of more. We have a position in lawn and garden sales that may be a good fit for you."
Ave gave me my break that set me on a path turning into an amazing 18 year sales career involving me eventually leaving Martin Deerline, only to land back here 4 years ago now. They say some things happen for a reason and I do believe that. 
I learned a lot from Ave and probably wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for him taking a chance on me and for that, I'm extremely grateful.

Godspeed, Ave

My relationship with Ave started through business, that quickly turned into friendship. I will forever cherish the long talks Ave and I would frequently have about change for the better, personally, and professionally. It always amazed me that this successful man in business, was also highly successful, and equally, if not more important, an extremely devoted family man. True balance. Ave was also a true visionary, an inspirational leader and one of the kindest Men I have ever met. I am blessed for every minute I was able to have with him and so proud to have called him my friend. You will truly be missed, Ave.
All of our love and sympathy to the Spratt Family. Bill & Carmen Taylor