ROBERT SPARKS

Robert Rolland Sparks Bob passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, May 23, 2010. He was born on January 31, 1935 in Kenmare, North Dakota. He will be dearly missed by his wife, Delores Sparks of Gig Harbor, and two daughters, Cindy Greetham and her husband Jim of Lakebay, WA and Cheri Smith and her husband Mike of Tacoma, WA. He was a loving grandpa to Ann Greetham and Carter Smith. He is also survived by a brother, Douglas Sparks and his wife Susan of Lakewood, WA. As a child he loved to play in the woods and be outdoors. Hiking, skiing (snow and water), and boating were favorite activities throughout his life. He served in the Naval Reserves for 8 years. During this time, he met his loving wife of 54 years on a blind date! Bob was the first in his family to attend and graduate from college. He worked his way through school as a butler and an engineer's aide at Boeing. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in education from the University of Washington, and a Master of Education from Western Washington University. Bob devoted his life to the education of others. He began his career as an industrial arts teacher in the Bethel School District in Graham, WA. He served his students and community as vice-principal and principal of Bethel High School for many years. He finished his career of 30 years in education as the district's vocational director. Bob was a loving husband, dad and grandpa. He was always prepared, well-organized, and hard working. He could fix anything! He passed on his skills and love of learning to his daughters and grandchildren. He enjoyed traveling with his family in the early years and later traveled the world with Delores. Viewing is available Thursday, May 27, 2010 from 2 B 9 p.m. in the main mortuary building at Mountain View Memorial Park, located at 4100 Steilacoom Blvd. SW in Lakewood, WA. Funeral services followed by a reception will be held on Friday, May 28, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. in the Aspen Chapel. Brief graveside service at 1:30 p.m. Memorial donations may be made in Bob's memory to the Alzheimer's Association, Western and Central Washington State Chapter, at 100 W. Harrison Street, North Tower B Suite 200, Seattle, WA 98119, or online at www.alz.org .