Obituary of William H. Sparks

Surrounded by his family, the death of Bill Sparks, husband of Sharon (Paschal) Sparks occurred unexpectedly at the Saint John Regional Hospital on Thursday, May 3, 2012. He was born on May 7, 1951 in Saint John to Doreen (Brown) Sparks and the late Kenneth Sparks. Bill worked for the Dr. Roberts Hospital School until its closing, and then for Centracare until his retirement in 2010. Bill was very involved in the lives of his sons, Jeff and Bryan. He was a leader with the Portland United Church Beavers and Cubs troops with Jeff. Bill was also Bryan’s coach and #1 fan in Bryan’s baseball, hockey and basketball leagues. He was a leadership volunteer with the Fundy Chapter of Muscular Dystrophy Canada and played an important part in the Sparks family receiving the Judy Spink Award for Family of the Year Muscular Dystrophy Canada - Atlantic Region. Bill was the definition of an ideal family man, enjoying Caribbean cruises and weekly card nights together with his extended family. Bill enjoyed time on his front deck, playing the role of Mayor of Belgrave Street. He was an avid Seadogs fan and fisherman; "Sparky" also enjoyed bowling in the Civil Service League and spending time at the Casino. Bill was a member of CUPE Local #3656, Centracare. Besides his loving wife of 39 years Sharon and his mother; Bill is survived by two sons: Jeffrey of Saint John and Bryan (Trina Vautour) of Saint John; siblings: Michael (Eleanor), Carole Downey (Arthur) and John; brother and sisters-in-law: Helena Wood (Raymond), Ron Paschal (Gloria) and Nancy Paschal; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, along with a large network of friends and his furry friend Charlie. He was predeceased by his father, parents-in-law, Fred and Lina Paschal; brother-in-law, Fred Paschel Jr.; nephew, Bruce Wood and his dog of 17 years, Sandy. Resting at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB with visiting on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. The funeral service will be held from Brenan’s Chapel on Monday, May 7, 2012 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Muscular Dystrophy Canada – Fundy Chapter, SJRHF – "The Give", or the donor’s charity of choice.