Robert J. Sparling, age 83, of Shelby Township, Michigan passed away on August 15, 2021 after two separate and heroic battles against cancer. He was the loving father of Robert M. Sparling (Michelle) and Susan M. Sparling Olson; cherished grandfather of Joshua Paris, Jason Paris (Hannah), Aidan Olson and Sophie Olson; dear brother of George Norus, the late Alice Norus Baird, and former spouse of Louise A. Haley. Bob is survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews from the Kacynski, Petkewicz, Norus, and Baird families as well as extended Haley family who love to share fond memories of ”Uncle Bob”.
Bob will be remembered for his deep and lasting friendships with his high school graduating class at St. Anthony’s in Detroit where he was Student Body President of the Class of 1956 as well as his friends and classmates at the University of Detroit. Bob worked at Campbell-Ewald, Burroughs, Unisys, Burle Industries, Philips and ultimately retired after a second career in retail working for Brooks Brothers.
His love of the outdoors and the simple things in life began on the farm in Hart, Michigan where Bob was always happiest. He never ceased to talk about his time spent with his grandfather and how proud he was of his Lithuanian heritage. Simple pleasures found in nature remained a constant in his life and were most evident when noting his daily post-retirement routine that took him to the nearby River Bends Park where he watched geese, turkey and deer with a morning coffee. In his hospital room, he inquired about herons, hawks and deer visible in the pond and nearby golf course!
Bob’s sense of humor and ability to see past and around insurmountable challenges helped him in every aspect of his life and was of particular note in his battles against both prostate and lung cancer. Dad’s positive attitude is most evident in the acronym he used throughout his later years: “KOKOPOR” which invites us all to “Keep on Keeping On, Press On Regardless.” As a die-hard Detroit sports team fanatic this same saying also came in handy depending on the team and the year (sneaking a beer also helps).
Applying that way of thinking, Dad would not quit fighting. His oncology team was amazed by his extremely strong Catholic faith, unwavering optimism and desire to use every medical resource available to support his determination to kick cancer in the butt.
Dad is already deeply missed by family, friends, neighbors and caregivers. My sister and I are so thankful for the many of you who have reached out in support during this time to describe our dad as a calm, caring, kind man -- “one of the good ones”, full of positivity and good stories.
There will be a visitation from 2pm-6pm at Resurrection Funeral Home the afternoon of September 18, 2021 to celebrate Bob’s life. He’d love nothing more than for you all to gather comfortably to talk, laugh, drink coffee and eat pie while simply enjoying being together.
A small family service will be arranged in Hart, Michigan at a later date. Memories and condolences may be shared with his family at www.resurrectionfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Beaumont Health Foundation are encouraged as a tribute to his life to support cancer research and his devoted, compassionate, skilled and gifted caregiving team. Please go online at www.beaumont.org/giving and click the blue button for “Ways to Give” and the green button for “Give Online”. When prompted “Where do you want to direct your gift?”, please select “Troy Cancer Program” from the drop down list and stipulate your gift is a “Tribute Gift” by selecting the corresponding check box. A comment field is available to input “In memory of Robert J. Sparling and in recognition of the support he received from caregivers and social workers on 5 West”.
