2005 Sparks Family Reunion Recap

The 2005 Sparks Family Reunion began with the first ever Sparks Family Golf Tournament.  The group met at 6:30 a.m. for a continental breakfast and headed to the Brentwood Golf Course where they golfed 18 holes.  Participants in the tournament were Patricia and Scott Bohely, Christine Sparks, Bob Sparks, Lee Sparks, and Jim and Aaron Knoetzel.  The competition was close but the ultimate winner was Scott Bohely from Canby, Oregon who received a prize at the banquet.

After the golf tournament Aaron and Jim Knoetzel joined Glen Sparks for the Tennis Tournament at the Discovery Bay Athletic Club.  Again the competition was tough but Glen Sparks was able to add another trophy to his tennis trophy shelf.

The Banquet began with Nancy Sparks and Lori Knoetzel at the registration table.  Each family received a star spangled bag with the Sparks Family Book of Biographies, a compact disk of the Book of Biographies, a family tree and a few other goodies.  The banquet hall was decorated with hanging stars, a large American flag, patriotic centerpieces on the tables and posters created by Janelle, Alanna, Melody and Violet Sparks (Clint and Bernadine Sparks* grandchildren).  A large copy of the family tree put together by Lee and Nancy Sparks was on the wall and highlighted the individuals in attendance at the banquet.  After the delicious meal, Clint Sparks presented the Powerpoint presentation of the Sparks Family History created by Judy Borman.  Those in attendance at the reunion were asked to provide comments and remembrances of the six brothers and sisters that are the direct descendants of William Sparks and Colista Corpe:  May, Roy, Hilda, Lee, Elon and George.

Entertainment was provided by the Delta Boys Quartet plus 1 (including Clinton and Glen Sparks with the plus 1 of Bernadine Sparks on the piano).  They sang "California Here I Come", "Coney Island Baby" and "Just a Little Talk with Jesus".  Lee Sparks showed us his great vocal range with an a cappella version of "Blue Canadian Skies" and also performed a spirited rendition of "Count Your Blessings" on his trumpet.

Each person at the reunion was asked to introduce themselves and tell about their relationship to the Sparks family and talk about their own family.  There were many unique stories and remembrances that provided invaluable information to the younger Sparks descendants about their ancestors.

Closing thoughts by Clint Sparks were summarized in a prayer from General Douglas MacArthur to his son which Clint paraphrased to say...

"Build me a family O Lord, who will be strong enough to know when they are weak and brave enough to face themselves when they are afraid".

The entire prayer can be found at www.prayer4u.org/famousprayers/mcarthursprayer.html.   A special note was made during the evening of Sparks descendants who are serving, have served and lost their lives in service to the United States.  The banquet concluded with Lee Sparks playing "My Tribute" on his trumpet accompanied by Bernadine Sparks on the piano.  The evening concluded with everyone singing "God Bless America".  After the banquet, the families posed for photos of each of the descendants and one large family photo.  Please visit the Reunion Photo Album page to view all the photos of the reunion weekend.

Sunday afternoon was a good time at the barbeque and swim party at the home of Glen and Anita Sparks.  Many of the people from the banquet the previous night as well as a few new Sparks descendants came to the event.  This gave everyone a chance to visit and get to know each other a little better.

Sunday evening was another fine dinner social at the home of Clinton and Bernadine Sparks with more food and fellowship and reflections of the weekend.