IT WAS standing room only when family, friends and representatives from a wide range of organisations gathered at Taunton Crematorium on Thursday (October 10) to say their farewells to Graham Sparks who sadly passed away on September 12, at the age of 62.

‘Sparky’, as he was affectionately known to everyone who knew him, was a larger than life character who reached out and touched so many people from all walks of life in the Wellington area and surrounding district, and therefore there were no surprise the crematorium was packed to the gunnels.

Everyone present had their own personal memory of Sparky whether it was through his strong church connections both at home and overseas in Africa, or through his involvements with Hemyock Football Club, or Nynehead and Wellington Cricket Clubs.

A carpenter and joiner by trade, Sparky built a substantial reputation for himself as a furniture and antique restorer and brought many favourite pieces a new lease of life.

A visit to Graham Sparks Antique Restoration workshop and showroom at Lowmoor, Tonedale Mill, is something to relish and enjoy, an experience in itself, that was referred to by many of those who made input.

The service was led by Bruce Izzett, from Living Light Christian Church, who himself had benefitted from Sparky’s generosity after arriving from his native Zimbabwe many years ago, only to find the job he had expected to take had fallen through so he started off working for Sparky.

There were tributes from his younger brother Keith and son Alex who both gave affectionate personal insights from a family perspective and also from Andrew Govier who talked about Sparky’s massive involvement in the Wellington and wider community.  

Whatever he did, Sparky gave it his 100 per cent attention and this continued right until his untimely passing.

Graham Sparks was a one off character. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by everyone who was fortunate to have had the privilege of meeting him during the course of his life.

Following the formalities at the crematorium many of those present made their way to Wellington Rugby Club where they shared their memories of this kind, generous and wonderfully warm hearted human being.

Donations in Graham’s memory for Love Musgrove can be sent c/o H.Tredwin & Son, 15 and 17 North Street, Wellington, TA21 8LX or made at grahamsparks.muchloved.com