With great heartache we announce the passing of Tom “Sparkie” Bubniak on July 9, 2019. He was 77 years of age.
Thomas Louis Bubniak, affectionately known as “Sparkie”, was born on January 5, 1942 in Coleman, AB to parents Louis and Margaret. From a young age, he learned to value family and friends, and to work hard no matter the task. Sparkie met the love of his life when he met Eleanor Raymond. The couple was blessed with two strong daughters and their supportive husbands who provided them with countless wonderful memories. They celebrated their 55th year of marriage in 2018.
In his free time, Sparkie enjoyed curling, slo-pitch, watching baseball and going fishing – especially with Deb and Kath. He was a proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 9, Coleman, and rarely missed the chance to go for coffee with his friends. Over his many years as an educator, Sparkie, or “Mr. B.” had a positive impact on the lives of many students in the Crowsnest Pass as a favourite teacher at Horace Allen School. He was also a true community ambassador, being actively involved in many capacities such as serving as Chairman of the 1986 Southern Alberta Summer Games, being a primary lead for municipal amalgamation, as a Municipal councilor, as President of the Crowsnest Curling Club, and as 2002 Homecoming Chairman.
More than anything, Sparkie treasured his family. His total devotion was evident in the way he took care of his Ele with unrelenting commitment. Sparkie loved following his grandkids’ activities, spending time together at “Bukust”, and he always had time to stop in the middle of the road to be “Milk-Bone Man” giving his grand-dogs treats. He was an involved father and an extremely proud “Buppa” to his five exceptional grandchildren.
Sparkie’s infectious smile and cheerful disposition will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by everyone fortunate enough to have known him.
Left to mourn his passing and celebrate his life are his daughters, Rae (Billy-Jo) Kubik and Tracy (Dean) Stella; his grandchildren, Conor and Korben Kubik and Sidney, Karlie and Justice Stella; his sisters, Irene (Doug) MacFarlane and Rose (Gino) Quarin; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, cherished lifetime friends, amazing neighbors; and his Bukust family.
He was predeceased by his wife, Eleanor on October 28, 2018; his parents; and his sisters Chris (Nini) Peressini and Millie (Frank) Yanota.
The Memorial Service will be held at the Crowsnest Curling Club (8702, 22 Ave., Coleman, AB) on Tuesday, July 16, 2019 at 1:00pm with Rev. Renso Castellarin officiating. A luncheon will immediately follow the service, concluding at 4:00pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations will be gratefully accepted by the Crowsnest Pass Health Foundation (PO Box 455, Blairmore, AB T0K 0E0). Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfunerlachapel.ca.
Fantin’s Funeral Chapel entrusted with the arrangements.
(403) 562-8555
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Tom Sparkie Bubniak January 5 1942 July 9 2019 (age 77)..
Death notice for the town of: Blairmore, Province: Alberta