Obituary of Larry Clayton Sparks

Larry Sparks, a beloved member of his community, passed away on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at the age of 82. Larry was a man who dedicated his life to his family, friends, faith, and craft, and his passing is a great loss to all who knew him.

Larry was born and grew up in Chatham among a family of builders. He was the son of the late Clayton and Doris (nee Ryan) Sparks. Larry learned the trade from his father and uncles and went on to build a successful career in construction, working on countless building projects throughout his life, while mentoring his own sons and nephews in the trade. 

But Larry's true passions were his family, friends, and faith. He was a devoted husband to Carole (nee Bond), his wife of over 60 years, and a loving father and grandfather to his three sons William (Lee Ann) Sparks, Todd (Karen) Sparks, and James (Michelle) Sparks and five grandchildren Ryan (Nicole) Sparks, Caitlin (Kris) Hopkins, Craig (Jordan) Sparks, Logan Sparks and Lauren Sparks.  He enjoyed time with his 4  great-grandchildren Everleigh Sparks, Eli Sparks, Oliver Hopkins, and Ember Sparks and looked forward to two more on the way.

Larry also had a close-knit group of friends at the Wildwood Campground, where he enjoyed spending time camping and enjoying laughs and stories beside a campfire.

Larry's faith was also an essential part of his life. He was an elder at New St Andrews Church Dover, member of the Board of Managers at New St Andrew's and was deeply committed to his religious beliefs. Larry was a active member of Kinsmen for over 20 years.  His faith gave him strength and guided him throughout his life, and he was a shining example of what it meant to live a life guided by love, compassion, and faith.

Survived by Brother Brian (Nancy) Sparks, and sister Janice Buckingham; pre-deceased by his brother Thomas Sparks and sister-in-law Jean, and brother-in-law Donald Buckingham.
Larry may be absent from our lives, but his spirit and legacy will endure through his children, the buildings he constructed, the memories he created with his family and friends, and the impact he had on his community.

Family to receive friends on Friday, April 28, 2023 at the Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham from 2:00 - 4:00 pm & 7:00 - 9:00 pm. 

A Funeral Service will be celebrated at New St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, 8314 St. Andrew's Line, Chatham at 11:00 am on Saturday April 29, 2023 . Burial to follow in Arnold Cemetery, Chatham. 

Donations made in memory of Larry to the New St. Andrew's Memorial Fund or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada would be greatly appreciated. 

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com. 

McKinlay Funeral Home
459 St. Clair Street,
Chatham
519 351 2040