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Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Friends to remember Tom Sparks


By EXPRESS STAFF

Friends and fans of former valley resident Tom Sparks will gather at Lefty's Bar and Grill today, Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 5 p.m. to pay tribute to his life. Sparks passed away from a stroke on Nov. 5 at the age of 33 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Before moving to California, Sparks was a popular morning-show disc jockey on KSKI 103.7 with legions of fans and admirers.

Sparks' father, Bill, has asked that people bring photos and stories to celebrate his life and to contribute to a journal that will be given to his wife, Kate, who also worked at the radio station. The couple would have celebrated their two-month wedding anniversary last Friday.

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The memorial at Lefty's will be held at the same time as services in Los Angeles, which will be at St. Paul's the Apostle Catholic Church. Kate Sparks requested that Tom's friends remember him at the same time.

Bill Sparks said in a statement that doctors have determined that Tom's stroke was probably caused by a condition called antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS), a disease that causes unnatural clotting of the blood.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations in Tom's memory be sent to the APS Foundation of America, the only nonprofit organization in the country dedicated to bringing awareness to APS.

The organization's contact information is: APS Foundation of America, Box 801, LaCrosse, WI 54602-0801 or www.apsfa.org.


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There are 6 comments


The comments below are from the readers of mtexpress.com and in no way represent the views of Express Publishing Inc.
Ashley & Robert de Otero – Los Angeles
11/23/09 - 14:18

We also competed on Wipeout as a couple with Kate and tom. You guys were an amazingly warm couple and I am so sorry it has ended this way. Kate please know yourself and Tom's family are in our prayers.

Robert Sharp – Carmichael, CA
11/20/09 - 02:20

I went to high school with Tom. He is a great guy! Very funny and very smart! He always had us laughing at a joke or impersonation or something. He was a nice guy too. It did not matter which group of guys one hung out with, he was friends with everyone. I was shock when I opened the email from our alumni coordinator and told of Toms passing. May he look down on us and touch us with his friendship and humor! And may God comfort your wife and family in this time of sorrow. A.M.D.G.

robin burton – moreno valley, california
11/13/09 - 12:34

I was there on the wipeout show the day Tom and Kate were taping. We, were competing with them. I remember Kate offering me her shirt to wear on the set because they wanted me to change colors. Kate, Steve and I are so sorry for your loss, and our heart goes out to Tom's family and Kate's family. Although I only knew Tom for a day, the two of them were so kind and happy amidst the craziness of the day. Kate touched my heart that day with her generosity and Tom with his humor, may God be with your families through this tragedy. You are all in my thoughts and prayers, so sorry. Robin Burton and Stephen Netter.

Scott Parker – Sun Valley
11/11/09 - 14:54

I hired and worked with Tom and Kate at KSKI and loved them both. This is a blow to all of us. Tom was living in L.A. at the time. He flew up to meet us and stayed at the Clarion -- the same time of the Trailing of the Sheep event. On Monday's job interview, he asked me about the girls in town, because over the weekend he woke up in his hotel room and saw sheep. He said, that whole sheep thing down main street had him nervous about moving to Ketchum. Nevertheless, he took the job and KSKI mornings were a hit. Anyway, I am in shock. Tom had it going on -- with so much in front of him. My prayers go out to Kate and the family... gonna miss you man! Scott

Scott Parker – Sun Valley
11/11/09 - 14:48

I hired Tom and Kate at KSKI and loved them both. This is a blow to our family. Tom was living in L.A. at the time. He flew up to meet us and stayed at the Clarion -- the same time of the Trailing of the Sheep event. On Monday's interview, he asked me about the girls in town, because that whole sheep thing down main street had him nervous about moving to Ketchum. Anyway, I am in shock. Tom had it going it on -- with so much in front of him. My prayers go out to Kate and the family... gonna miss you man! Scott

Pat S
11/11/09 - 05:48

Who didn't love Tom? He had his fun. Far too young to be leaving us, friend. You will be missed. Condolences to Kate and family.

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