Our family is devastated to let you all know of the tragic death of Don Sparks. He died in his sleep late Sunday night from complications from Diabetes and Addison’s disease. He was in his 58th year.
It is hard to find the words to match the character of this remarkable man. Wickedly funny, fiercely committed to his family, a gifted teacher, track and cross-country running coach, Don had an acute sense of justice and a strong moral compass. As a young adult he used to infuriate us because he was so idealistic – and worst of it was, he lived up to his ideals. He would, and did, go to the mat if he thought there was a wrong that needed righting, and won the respect of so many in the process.
He deeply loved his two children, Colin and Emily, and was so very proud of them. He dedicated himself to the very best for his students, always creative and sometimes off the wall in the ways he managed both the classes and the subject matter.
In recent years, Sherlock, a diabetes service dog, was his constant companion and running partner.
Don managed his health meticulously and until recently, was in fantastic physical condition, which makes it all the more tragic that these diseases would take him from us so soon.
Thank you to everyone who has sent messages of condolence to our family. We definitely feel surrounded and supported. Please join us as we gather to celebrate and give thanks for this truly on-of-a-kind person.
Memorial Service will be held Friday, December 6, 2019 at 5:30pm at Chandos Pattison Auditorium, 12038 168th Street, Surrey, B.C.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence for the family.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Don Sparks November 24th 2019..
Death notice for the town of: Aldergrove, Province: Colombie britanique
Thinking of the family at this time. Don was a remarkable teacher and coach.