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Darrold W. 'Sparky' Parks

Darrold W. "Sparky" Parks passed away April 10, 2011.

A native of Minnesota, he was born in Princeton on April 26, 1916. He grew up on his family's farm where he learned the value of hard work and a good education.

He graduated as the valedictorian of his high school class of 1935. He served in the United States Army toward the end of World War II and worked in defense at Hill Air Force Field in Layton, Utah.

From an early age Darrold was the consummate salesman, beginning with automobile sales in Aitkin, Minn., and after relocating to Santa Rosa, he continued to sell cars until his retirement.

The love of his life was his wife, Dorothy. They were together for 70 years before her passing.

Darrold leaves behind sons, Don and David, and daughter, Cheryl; five grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. A special thank you to his granddaughter Dava who took wonderful care of Darrold after his wife's passing.

He is preceded in death by two sisters and is survived by a brother and two sisters. These siblings shared a lifelong kinship and he will sorely be missed. The care from the staff of the Golden Living Center-London House is greatly appreciated.

A funeral service was held at 1 p.m. Thursday, April 14, at the Parent-Sorensen Mortuary located at 301 South Main St., Sebastopol.