Sparby, Ronald D. 'Ron'

Ron Sparby

Ronald D. "Ron"

Sparby, 57, of Ainsworth, died suddenly Tuesday morning, Aug. 11, 2009, at his home. Ron's family will host a celebration of Ron's life on Friday, Aug. 14, at Lensing Funeral Service in Iowa City from 1 to 3 p.m., with a time of sharing beginning at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made, in Ron's name, to Friends of the Animal Shelter Foundation, P.O. Box 1345, Iowa City, IA 52244 (www.facf.org).

Ron was born Oct. 29, 1951, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, the son of Alvin and Helen (Suby) Sparby. He graduated from Iowa City High School in 1969. He received his business degree from the University of Iowa. Ron worked for West Music in Coralville for 28 years.

Ron was a sailor, a chef, a master builder and poet. He was a skilled tradesman; a lover of cats, dogs, critters and kids. He was unfailingly optimistic and generous with his affection and love. Ron embraced life with gusto and his loss will be felt by all who knew him.

Ron was son to Helen, father to Leah and Ben, husband and lover to Amy, whom he cherished, friend to anyone he met, many of whom he touched with his numerous abilities, generosity and humor.

His father, Alvin, and sister, Deb, died before him.

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