Daniel Thomas Sparks

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Daniel Thomas Sparks, who left us peacefully at the age of 72. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, he lived a life full of passion, resilience, and dedication.

Born in 1951 in Spirit Lake, Idaho. Dan developed a love for golf at a young age, earning a low handicap and winning multiple trophies in Idaho Falls, ID. His passion for the sport extended beyond playing; he even taught himself to build golf clubs, a hobby he cherished and shared with friends throughout his life.

Dan put himself through college while juggling various jobs, including taxi driver, fuel oil delivery, and construction work. At just 17, he made the long drive from northern Idaho to Pocatello, where he married his first and only wife, Leah, at the age of 19. Together, they built a family that included their sons, Jeremy, Shaun, and Andrew.

The family's journey took them from Idaho Falls to Boston, where Dan began his first public sector job with a public utility. Known for his impeccable work ethic, he earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues. His adventurous spirit led him to become a consultant for the nuclear energy industry, where he traveled to 49 of the 50 states, increasing safety factors at nuclear power plants across the nation. He was known as the “golden retriever” whom people knew they could go to for information about a wide variety of nuclear issues.

In 1991, he took a full-time position with the Trojan Power Plant in Portland, OR, allowing him to spend more time with his family. However, the plant's decommissioning led him back to consulting and traveling once again. Eventually, he accepted a full-time role as project manager with General Electric in San Jose, CA, before relocating to Wilmington, NC in 2004, where he and Leah settled into a more stable life.

Despite facing significant health challenges, including battling diabetes and losing both legs at the age of 66, Dan exhibited remarkable resilience. He adapted to life in a wheelchair, teaching himself to drive a van with hand controls. He cherished his weekly trivia nights with friends and found joy in backyard gardening. His quick wit and warm presence brought laughter and comfort to those around him.

Dan is preceded in death by his youngest son, Andrew Sparks. He is survived by his devoted wife, Leah; loving sons, Jeremy and Shaun; sister, Terrie; nieces, Kelly and Kelsi; and six grandchildren, Alek, Leah, Tayler, Kaden, Nolan, and Theo.

As we remember Dan, we celebrate a man who faced life's challenges with grace, shared his love generously, and left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered in our hearts.

A memorial service, will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, August 31,2024, at St. Matthews Evangelical Lutheran Church, 612 S. College Rd., Wilmington.

in lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to St. Matthews Evangelical Lutheran Church at stmatthewsch.org or to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Hospice, at lifecare.org for their help in Dan’s final days  

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