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Obituary
Harry “Buddy” Wesley Sparks, age 69, passed away on June 23, 2026, surrounded by the family he loved so fiercely. Eight years earlier, Buddy was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, beginning a journey that revealed the incredible strength, faith, and resilience that defined him. He fought with courage and grace, never allowing his diagnosis to define his life. Instead, he continued to love, celebrate, travel, laugh, and create memories with the people who meant the most to him.
Born on April 21, 1957, and raised on Ruth Street in Allen Park, Michigan, Buddy grew into a man whose greatest joy was the people he loved. He shared 43 years with the love of his life, Sandra, including 38 years of marriage. To his family, he was their Superman—a devoted husband, proud father, and loving Papa who showed up fully for every moment that mattered.
Buddy was the ultimate girl dad long before anyone had a name for it, proudly supporting every dream and accomplishment of his daughters, Kirsten and Kera. Whether he was chauffeuring them to singing competitions, cheering from the sidelines at sporting events, watching one daughter be crowned homecoming queen, or celebrating the other as she performed around the world, Buddy was their biggest fan. His pride only grew as he watched his daughters become incredible mothers themselves.
Later in life, Buddy found an even deeper joy as “Papa” to his grandsons, August and Luca. He treasured every moment with them and loved making them laugh, especially when he sang to them—slightly off key, but with all the love in his heart. His grandsons will forever know the warmth, humor, and unconditional love of their Papa.
For more than 40 years, Buddy served as a manager at Capital Tire, where he built lasting relationships and became a trusted friend to many. His greatest legacy, however, was the way he loved people. Buddy greeted others with a hug and a smile, maintained lifelong friendships, and had a gift for making people feel welcomed, valued, and remembered.
Buddy loved celebrating life. He loved to dance, travel, attend Broadway shows and Celine Dion concerts, gather with friends, and create memories with family at the beach in Destin. He was a devoted University of Michigan fan, had a legendary sweet tooth, and was someone who brought energy and joy wherever he went. His 30th birthday celebration, complete with a Saturday Night Fever John Travolta-inspired white suit, perfectly captured his fun-loving personality.
Known by many as the “Human GPS,” Buddy had an incredible sense of direction and was always the person to call when you were lost, looking for the best route, or trying to avoid traffic. More importantly, he was the person people called because they knew he would always show up.
A faithful follower of Christ, Buddy loved the Lord, his church, and his community of faith. Throughout his cancer journey and throughout his life, he was a living testimony of perseverance, gratitude, and trust in God. He was a man who felt deeply and loved openly—whether tearing up at the Vatican, during University of Michigan celebrations, watching his daughters’ accomplishments and being able to walk both of them down the aisle, and in the simple moments of watching his grandsons play together on the living room floor. He lived and loved deeply in every moment he was a part of.
One of Buddy’s final treasured memories was celebrating Father’s Day surrounded by his family on the water, doing what he loved most—being with the people who meant everything to him.
Buddy is survived by his beloved wife, Sandra Sparks; his daughters, Kirsten (Justin) Baker and Kera (Michael) Errickson; and his cherished grandsons, August and Luca. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and May Sparks, and his brother, Bill Sparks.
Our Superman has taken his final flight, but heaven is undoubtedly a little louder, a little warmer, and a lot more fun with his arrival.
Visitation will be held Saturday, June 27th
2pm to 8pm. Sunday, June 28th 12pm to 2pm.
The service will be held at 2:00 PM at Michigan Memorial Funeral Home. During this time, the family invites everyone to share their memories and stories in celebration of his life. With a celebration of life reception to follow at Pete's Place at 4:30pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Buddy's memory may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN).
