William Franklin Sparling

August 6, 1928 - July 12, 2018

Dad passed peacefully at home at 4 a.m., July 12, 2018 in his 90th year just in time to

catch the early bite fishing before joining up with Mom later that morning. We imagine

that they took a couple of days to catch up before celebrating Mom’s birthday on July

16. Most likely they will carry on celebrating until Dad's 90th Birthday on August 6 and

then settle into the after-life together with all their friends and family. Dad had no

regrets, and told us many times that his life was as good as it gets. Born in Vancouver

and raised on the Westside, he attended Lord Byng and graduated from UBC. Dad was

wearing red long johns when he swept Mom off her feet at "The Roof", Vancouver

Hotel. They fell in love, married and had 4 children: Dad leaves Lance (Terry), Jean

Gairdner (Bill), Bill (Claudia) and Teresa Sandiford (John); 12 grandchildren: Reid

(Deanna) Sparling, Alex (Chris Schaalo), Dean (Amy) Sparling, Christine (Chris)

Crocombe, Emilie (Dave) Shaw, Ruthann (Paul) Attia, Bill (Sarah) Gairdner, Franklin

(Nicole) Gairdner, Deena (Jamie) Lowe-Wylde, Robert (Perth) Sparling, Brett (Kim)

Kristjanson, and Lauren (Ricardo) Cohn; and 17 great-grandchildren. He also leaves

sister, Donnie Kerr and numerous nieces and nephews. Mom's and Dad’s love has

been inspirational for all of us as we have witnessed their commitment to each other

evolve through the ups and downs over their 64 year marriage.

Dad founded Spar-Pak Industries Limited along with Connie. The two of them grew the

business and raised their family on the North Shore. Dad was inducted into the

Canadian Hardware and Housewares Hall of Fame and spent many hours giving back

to the community in a number of ways but his favourite vehicle was the Kiwanis Club.

Bill and Connie enjoyed over 30 winters in Palm Desert. They would return to

Vancouver every Spring and enjoy boating on the "Spartacus" (RVYC) and golfing at

Capilano Golf and Country Club with the many friends they met along the way. Some of

Dad’s favourite times were spent teaching his family how to fish and these moments

were cherished by all of us. Many fond memories are recalled of our times at the Hakai

Land and Sea Fishing Camp.

The Family would like to dearly thank Remy, Janette and Via for all the care given over

the last few years and Dr. Kathy Bell-Irving, Cameron and Sabina who had the courage

to challenge Dad as he constantly diagnosed himself. Bill lived a long and wonderful

life. No Regrets! A Celebration of Life will be held at Capilano Golf & Country Club on

Saturday September 22, 2018 at 3:30 p.m.