Harry Sparks passed on Nov 18th at about 3:00.
Harry was a friend to many of us and probably had his hands on as many older instruments as anyone around.
I first met him in 1970 and we traded many parts over the years,,,,, with Harry always going out of his way to make sure I always got the best end of the deal. Right now its hard to even type about him except to say, Pal there are many who are going to miss you.
Here are links that tell much of his story
nkytribune.com/2025/09/life-an...HAELskh6A
uc.edu/news/articles/2022/06/h...more.html
namm.org/library/oral-history/harry-sparks
Thank you Doug. I heard about this early this morning and although not shocked, as I knew Harry's condition, I was deeply saddened. Harry was such a wonderful human and had some many friends. We spent many a long night and into the early mornings solving the world's problems. If more folks were like Harry, we wouldn't have to solve them!
In 1968 Crowe introduced me to Harry Sparks, my #1 banjo mentor and the best friend a man can have. I learned a lot about Gibson banjos and Kentucky rifles from him, and even more about life.
I will miss him deeply. God rest his soul.
Many thanks for posting the links to the articles about Harry Sparks. He made the world a better place in many ways.
David
A friend to all and he’ll certainly be greatly missed.
I was fortunate enough to be at a dinner table with Mr Sparks and several of his friends at a Banjothon several years ago. It was a treat to listen to all the stories they shared with each other. Good memories
I don't know who wrote Sparky's obituary, but these words from it say more about the man than I ever could:
"Harry lived at the crossroads of tradition and modernity—where respect for the past met a clear vision for what could be. It was at this intersection that he spent his life bringing people together: musicians, craftsmen, architects, competitors, family, and friends whose paths often converged because Harry created spaces—literal and figurative—where lasting bonds could form."
Rest in peace in the sweet sunny south my friend.
quote:
Originally posted by OldtwangerI don't know who wrote Sparky's obituary, but these words from it say more about the man than I ever could:
"Harry lived at the crossroads of tradition and modernity—where respect for the past met a clear vision for what could be. It was at this intersection that he spent his life bringing people together: musicians, craftsmen, architects, competitors, family, and friends whose paths often converged because Harry created spaces—literal and figurative—where lasting bonds could form."
Rest in peace in the sweet sunny south my friend.
Frank ...... agree ..... those words were perfect to describe Harry. Architects, by their nature, are creative .... including spaces, both literal and figurative.
