Obituary of Harold Cromwell Sparks

Harold Cromwell Sparks Air Force Veteran, Salesman, Teacher, Site Engineer, Animal Welfare Advocate, Tennis Enthusiast, Avid Pilot Harold "Hal" Sparks, resident of Bainbridge Island, passed away on August 28, 2011, at age 80. Hal was born to Edward and Blanche Sparks of Portland, Oregon on November 12, 1930. He grew up in the Cathedral Park neighborhood of Portland and attended Roosevelt High School. A highlight was playing trumpet in the marching band and being invited to march with the band in the Rose Bowl Parade. While studying at Oregon State University, Corvallis, he met his future wife, Gail Olson. They married after graduation, and soon after, Hal began his two year tour of duty as a Lieutenant in the US Air Force. His assignments included Tyndall AFB in Florida where his son, Stevenson, was born, and Mather AFB in Sacramento, California. After leaving the service, Hal obtained another degree from the American Institute of Foreign Trade in Glendale, Arizona. Hal was employed by Jantzen in Portland, Oregon, but after their second son, Jay, was born, Hal had the opportunity to return to Sacramento where he worked for Mead Johnson as a pharmaceutical representative. Covering Northern California, Hal was away for long periods on business, and he relished the time at home with his family. His hobbies included tennis and especially, flying. He excelled in both, becoming an accomplished tennis player, and a commercial rated pilot. He logged many hours on enjoyable getaways with family and friends. Later in life, Hal received a teaching credential and taught business courses at American River Community College. He started a new career as a soils / site engineer shortly after a move up to the Puget Sound and managed his own company for over ten years in Tacoma and Gig Harbor. During retirement, he lived near Lynwood, Bainbridge Island with his companion of 17 years Sally Sondheim. He and Sally shared travel, family events and their pets. His love for animals was apparent as he joined an animal rescue group and wrote letters on their behalf, as well as adopting and caring for them. Always a loving and supportive father, he stressed the importance of a good education and an honest day of work. He will be missed for his relaxed style of living, humorous conversations, and enthusiasm for any new undertaking. Hal is survived by his companion, Sally Sondheim, former wife, Gail Sparks Witherbee, and his sister, Marion Morris; sons: Stevenson (Cassandra) Sparks, and Jay (Lorraine) Sparks; and 5 grandchildren: Stephanie Sparks, Alexandra Sparks, Olivia Sparks, Melissa Sparks and Andrew Sparks; numerous nieces and nephews; and his dog, Bonnie. Service to be held at Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church, Bainbridge Island, Saturday, Sept. 10th at 4:30pm. A reception to be held immediately thereafter at same location. The address is 11042 Sunrise Drive NE. Donations can be made to PAWS of Kitsap county.