Dennis Lee Sparrs

May 28, 1949 - October 9, 2024

Dennis Lee Sparrs, 75, of Wasilla, AK, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2024 at Wickersham House, an assisted living home, where he was adored by residents and staff. Born on May 28, 1949, in Burlington, WA, he and his family spent many hours in the company of aunts, uncles, and cousins who lived close by. He graduated in 1967 from Burlington-Edison High School, where he was a star athlete in football and baseball, lettering in his junior and senior year. Dennis was inducted into his High School's Athletic Hall of fame in 2009. Dennis played baseball from Little League through the community college level and had a professional tryout with the Seattle Pilots in 1969. In his young adulthood, Dennis worked in the hospitality industry with several employers including Stuart Anderson's Cattle Company/Black Angus in Anchorage and Seattle and the Westmark Hotel in Anchorage. Dennis worked many years for Doyon Drilling, Inc. in oil field support, along with several other employers, spanning a career of more than 25 years on the North Slope until his retirement in 2010. After retirement, Dennis worked several years as a van driver, making many friends while serving residents in assisted living and senior communities. Dennis was a proud father and grandfather. Two of the happiest days in his life were when his son and daughter were born. He loved watching them grow, playing with them, and taking them on family outings. He also took great joy in watching his children and grandchildren participate in various sports and the performing arts. He was their biggest supporter and encouraged them to pursue their dreams. Dennis had a passion for sports as both a participant and a spectator. He carried that passion into adulthood with enjoyment in activities such as golfing, bowling, and fishing and watching professional sports, whether in person during Seattle visits or on TV. Many summers were spent salmon fishing on the Kenai River with friends and halibut fishing off Fox Island near Seward, creating lifetime memories. Dennis also found enjoyment in helping friends tend their large vegetable garden and he loved cooking meals for his family, bringing everyone together around the table. As an avid reader, he enjoyed exploring a variety of genres, constantly seeking new stories and ideas. Dennis maintained close friendships from his high school days and always enjoyed visiting family and friends in Washington state. He delighted in visiting his daughter's military family as they moved from Alaska to various locations across the United States and he treasured his time living in Alaska, often mentioning how lucky he was to live in this special place.

He is survived by his children, Adam Sparrs and Dana Alexander; his daughter-in-law, Mary Sparrs; his grandchildren, Savannah Sparrs, Kyla Alexander, Brayden Sparrs, Lucas Alexander, and Victor Sparrs; his siblings, Doug Sparrs and Patti Timmons; and his former spouse Sherry Davis. He was preceded in death by his mother, Margie (Jordan) Sparrs; father, Norbert Sparrs; and stepmother, Vinette Sparrs. A celebration of his life will be held in the summer of 2025, with details to follow. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.