Former University of Western Ontario student-athlete Rachel Spearing (Bethany, ON) sadly passed away on Saturday, February 26, 2011, but left this world a better place.
Rachel played for the Ontario U17, Ontario U19 and Canada U19 team before choosing to attend the University of Western Ontario.
In the fall of 2007, Rachel joined the Mustangs women's rugby team and was selected the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) Rookie of the Year.
Spearing went on to attend Trent University and Sir Sandford Fleming College. She served as an assistant coach of the Fleming College Lindsay Auks in the Canadian Colleges Athletics Association (CCAA)
Mustangs head coach Natascha Wesch commented that "Rachel was an amazing young women and inspired many. She was fun-loving with a great sense of humour. She was an awesome athlete withsuch a great personality. All of us who knew Rachel are devastated by the news are very saddened. She will be missed".
Spearing (aka Widgie) was born on Earth Day, April 22, 1987. She is survived by parents Ted and Sandy Spearing, sister Melissa, brother, Brandon and her puppy Maggie.
Rachel also leaves behind much extended family nearby and around the globe. She inspired so many, and drew some of her inspiration from a poem she picked up while playing rugby in New Zealand. The name of the poem is After a While (You Learn) by Veronica A. Shoffstall, written in 1971. (The versus to the poem are included below)
Visitation will take place at the Victoria Park Armoury, 210 Kent Street West, Lindsay on Friday, March 4th from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service to Celebrate Rachel's Legacy at 2:00 p.m. Cremation to follow.
Donations in honour of Rachel's spirit may be made to the Fleming College Foundation, through Mackey Funeral Home, 33 Peel Street, Lindsay (705.328.2721) or online at www.mackeys.ca.
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After a While (You Learn)
by Veronica A. Shoffstall (1971)
After a while you learn the subtle difference between holding a hand and chaining a soul.
And you learn that love doesn't mean leaning.
And company doesn't always mean security.
You learn that kisses aren't contracts and presents aren't promises.
And you begin to accept your defeats with your head up, with the grace of an adult, not the grief of a child.
And you learn to build all your roads on today because tomorrows ground is too uncertain for plans,
and futures have a way of falling down in mid flight.
After a while you learn that even sunshine burns if you ask too much.
So open your own garden and decorate your own soul instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.
And you learn that you really can endure.
And you really are strong.
And your really do have worth.
And you learn.
And you learn, with every good-bye you learn.
