APDSP is sad to learn of the passing of Todd Sparks, brother of Wade Sparks, owner of Rileys, a reprographics firm based in Calgary, AB that has 20 locations in Canada and the United States.
Below is his obituary:
It is with immense sadness, sorrow and beyond belief that we announce the passing of our loving husband, father, son, brother, friend, and colleague. Todd lit up the world with his generosity, laughter, storytelling and care for others. These are traits that he inherited from his loving parents, Ann and Terry Sparks. Todd was the proud father of two vibrant girls, Megan Sparks Lloyd (Tim) and Courtney Sparks. He truly loved mountainous landscapes through skiing, hiking and golfing but most importantly, he was a man of kindness and generosity. Todd gave a mountain of love to his daughters, family and friends.
Todd's passing comes at a time of such joy with his engagement to the love of his life, Sheila Hellevang. He just spent a month of skiing with family and friends and improving his golf game. Todd was looking forward to the arrival of his great-niece.
Todd was born in Calgary where he spent many years in hockey, badminton, golf, football, but really pursued ski racing at Panorama, B.C. Todd relished Christmases at Lake Windermere surrounded by family where he would participate in skiing, skating, playing pickup hockey games, singing Christmas Carols, and gathering the Christmas tree with family and friends. Summers at the lake were spent putting in the family garden, waterskiing, and taking care of the boat. Todd instilled the same love of Windermere as his daughters later enjoyed these same activities with him.
Todd attended Washington State University in Pullman, Washington which was a family tradition. He achieved his Economics Degree and furthered his love of skiing on the Washington State University Ski Team. He was also the Treasurer of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. Todd was a Vice President and Investment Advisor for RBC Dominion Securities. His thirty-five year career began in 1983. RBC recognized Todd's many accomplishments over the years as he provided a high level of service and advice. Many of his clients became his friends.
Todd's generosity was shown through volunteer work as he participated for five years driving for the Calgary Stampede Courtesy Car Committee. He especially enjoyed mentoring his Little Brother while volunteering for the Big Brothers and Big Sisters organization.
Todd is survived by his wife, Sheila Hellevang; his children, Megan Sparks Lloyd (Tim), Courtney Sparks; his parents, Ann and Terry Sparks; his siblings, Lynn Sparks, Wade Sparks (Mikki); his nieces and nephews, Cody Scott (Stephanie), Jack Sparks, Spencer Sparks, Kailey Sparks; his Uncle Bob Vallat (Mary); his cousins, Brent Vallat (Sylvia), Dianne Vick (Joe), Andy Cameron (Karen), Andrew Vallat, Lya Vallat (Ashley), John Vallat (Barbara) and many other cousins and relatives.
Todd is predeceased by his grandparents; Eugene & Marion Vallat, Dorothy Sparks Driessen & Leonard Sparks as well as his Aunt Sally & Uncle Larry Cameron.
A Celebration of Todd's life will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive S.W. Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. Reception to follow at Calgary Golf & Country Club (one block west of the intersection of Elbow Drive & 50th Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB) Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Calgary & Area, 5945 Center Street S.W., Calgary, AB T2H0C2, Telephone: (403) 777-3535, www.bbbscalgary.ca, or The Prostate Cancer Centre of Calgary, #6500, 7007 – 14 Street S.W., Calgary, AB T2V 1P9, Telephone: (403) 943-8888, www.prostatecancercentre.ca/keep-it-in-calgary/.
In living memory of Todd Sparks, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Park Memorial, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Calgary, AB, T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.