Obituary of Robert Edward Sparks

1936 - 2011

Born September 29, 1936 in High River, Alberta, our Bob passed away after a lengthy illness, February 3, 2011, in Cranbrook, British Columbia at the age of 74.

From humble beginnings in Alberta Bob's life started in Blackie before moving with his family to Cranbrook in 1938.

Bob attended school in Cranbrook and later worked in various places in the East Kooteneys before joining the family business at the JS&B lumber company, which was later sold to Crestbrook Forest Industries. He stayed in numerous positions with Crestbrook until he retired. He married Beverley "Sparky" Ratcliffe in 1959. His fondest memories include his grandchildren, his time in Wales in 1996, and the cruise he finally took to Alaska in 2007.

Bob spent most of his life outdoors until his failing health kept his excursions limited. He had travelled and worked throughout BC, and especially enjoyed the high country of the Bull River Valley. A long time hockey fan, he made it a point to make it to most Kootenay Ice games until January of this year.

Bob is survived by: his wife Sparky; his children, Lary (Colleen) of Victoria, BC, Leslie (Craig) Stephens of Calgary, AB, and Kim Sparks of Okotoks, AB. He has four grandchildren, Danan, Quintin, Taya and Rhys. Jessie (Larry) Hunter, Eileen Miller, Mae Ratcliffe, Gord (Barb) Ratcliffe and numerous nieces and nephews also survive him.

Bob will follow his parents Robert and Dora Sparks and his sister and brother-in-law Minnie and Jim Lowe as well as brother-in-law Phillip 'Red' Miller. He is also predeceased by his father-in-law Walter Ratcliffe and brother-in-law Wayne Ratcliffe.

The family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the East Kootenay Regional Hospital staff, especially the Renal Unit. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the East Kootenay Regional Hospital Renal Unit so they can continue to help East Kootenay patients.

A service in memory of Bob will be held at Knox Presbyterian Church in Cranbrook at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, February 9, 2011.

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service.

Condolences for the family can be offered at:

www.mcphersonfh.com