Melvin Sparkes — Sydney

We, the family of the late Melvin Sparkes, regret to announce his sudden but peaceful passing on Wednesday, December 12, 2018, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Mel was born in Cornerbrook NL and resided in Florence for the remainder of his years. Mel had a great sense of humor, even sarcastic at times, but always to the point. He devoted his life to working hard and taking care of his family. Nothing meant more to Mel then taking care of the ones he loved. Mel lived a quiet life after the passing of his beloved Mary. Mel spent many years working in Ontario at Toronto Transit Commission and retired from Devco’s Prince Mine, where he made many great friends over the years. He enjoyed learning to cook these past few years and became really good at it. He also liked to keep up with the news of the day and had a keen interest in politics and hockey. Mel was always up for a good conversation. Mel is survived by his daughters, Dianne, Debbie (Bob), Denise and daughter-in-law, Wendy. He is also survived by brothers, Ernie (Georgette), Gerald, and Woodrow (Sharon); grandchildren, Jason, Melanie, Jennifer, Jillian, Norm, Melody, Bob, Dwayne and Christopher and 17 great-grandchildren. Mel was predeceased by his parents, John & Violet (Young) Sparkes; his wife, Mary (Steffens); his son, Mel Sparkes; grandson, Nick; sisters, Evelyn Sparkes, Audrey Harris, and Shirley Crane, and brothers, Donald, Garfield, Roy, Winston, Carmen and Gordon. The family would like to thank all the ER staff at Cape Breton Regional Hospital, along with his family doctor, Dr. Andrew Wawer and his staff for the compassion and care they showed Dad over the years. Mel was one of a kind and will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure to know him and will find comfort being together again with Mary. Cremation has taken place. Mel’s family will receive visitors on Sunday, Dec. 16 from 2-3 p.m. followed by a Celebration of Life at 3 p.m.in J. M. Jobes Funeral Home, Main St., Sydney Mines, with Major Corey Vincent officiating. Words of comfort may be forwarded to his family at www.jmjobesfuneralhome.com. Now that the distractions of the day have slipped into the quietness of the night I now feel the true emptiness that life without you brings. Praying that God has enough Captain Morgan's in heaven. Take er cool Pa.