Peter Sparhawk

Peter Winter Sparhawk, 81, of Colchester, Vermont and Venice, Florida went to be with the Lord on March 26, 2014. Peter was born July 10, 1932 in Rutland, VT to Catherine (Weaver Winter) and George Hall Sparhawk. He was a graduate of Cornell University, a Captain in the U.S. Air Force, a member of the 1956 Olympic Rowing Team, coach of Princeton University Crew for 23 years, and a strong Christian man of endless faith. He was well known in the rowing world, not only for his athletic abilities and coaching prowess, but for his hand-crafted rowing trophies through Sparhawk Model Oars. He was honored by being inducted to the Cornell Athletic Hall of Fame in 1984. He took great pride in his work, his family and his faith, yet was a humble man admired by all who knew him. He loved the water, was an avid boatsman, a tinkerer of all things, and a loving husband, father, and family man with an endless sense of humor and playfulness that touched everyone. He was preceded in death by his adoring wife, Joyce Mulac Sparhawk, and his older brother George. He is survived by his loving wife, Maria; his son Peter and wife Andrea of Downingtown, PA and daughter Polly and spouse Shelly Miller of Dedham, ME; and daughter Jackie and husband Steve of Plantation, FL, daughter Jill and husband Howard of Knoxville, TN, and son John and wife Ansley of Atlanta, GA. Because of their abounding love, when asked, Peter and Maria would respond that they had five children. He is also survived by ten grandchildren, Calvin, Caitlin, Tyler, Kristy, Matthew, Sara, Sean, Missy, Johnny and Nicholas; three great-grandchildren, Angel, Joseph and Gabriella; and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, in-laws and other family members whom he loved. He will also be remembered and missed dearly by many close friends from the church, rowing community and others he has touched over the years. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, July 12 in Colchester, Vermont. Informal celebrations will continue to be held on every other day before and after. Memorial donations may be made to the Tidewell Hospice & Palliative, 220 Wexford Blvd., Venice, FL or a caring hospice of your choice.