After a courageous and valiant fight against Mesothelioma, Mr. Dale Sparkes, age 80 years, passed away into his eternal rest at TBRHSC on August 7, 2023, with his loving wife, Sharon, at his side.
Born on July 14, 1943, in Fort William, Dale spent his formative years in Schreiber, ON graduating from Schreiber High School. He spent some time in the military, returning to civilian life to complete his education.
Attending Sault College in Sault Ste Marie, he obtained training in pipe fitting and steam fitting and began his career in that field through local 628. Travelling across Canada, he gained much experience and became a successful business owner, first with AF Carew and then with Clow Darling LTD.
He retired to pursue his many outside interests. Dale was a keen learner and earned his B.A. from Laurentien University in Religious Studies and was working on his master’s degree when he was diagnosed with cancer.
One of Dale’s large accomplishments was designing and building his own country home with the help of his spouse. Dale was a talented artist, voracious reader, enjoyed travel and family times.
Dale was a lifelong Anglican and was very involved in several churches in Thunder Bay. His church home was St. John’s Anglican, and most recently Gathering Table. Dale was keenly interested in social justice issues. He and Sharon were the leaders of the Food Cupboard ministry at the church for over ten years which feeds an average of 100 people every two weeks. He also served on many boards in the church, deanery and diocesan level. His intellect, wisdom and passion were an example to all.
Dale is survived by his loving wife Sharon, brother Ken (Marg), sister-in-law Carol (Raymond) Bergeron, brothers-in-law Bill Campbell, Bryan (Joanne) Webb, Bill Webb, Bob (Luanne) Webb, Pat (Bev) Webb, and many nieces and nephews and their children. Dale was predeceased by parents Cyril and Alice.
The Celebration of Life will be held at Gathering Table, 228 Pearl St., Thunder Bay, ON on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at 11:00 am. The Reverend Ann Camber and The Venerable Dr. Deborah Kraft presiding. Memorial donations directed to Gathering Table Food Cupboard Ministry would be appreciated.
The family would like to give their deepest appreciation to the medical staff at the Cancer Centre and Dr. Jeremy Cole and Joseph, nurse from Bayshore Health. Thank you to our priest, Rev. Ann Camber, for her loving pastoral support and to all his friends who called with well wishes and prayer through his final illness.
