Robert "Bob" Henry Sparnicht, Dr.

Beautiful Dr. Robert "Bob" Henry Sparnicht departed peacefully on April 5th, 2026 at 8:15pm. He leaves us with his love, friendship, humor, and humility. He was a friend to all; person, pet or plant. He will be here with us eternally, and in the beyond as the soil dancing angel he always has been. 

 

Please share any photos or memories, big or small, that Bob imparted to you in his earthly time. We would love to hear from you!

 

Thank you for being his family and friend. 

 

In the words of Bob, "God Bless You...stop by for a cup of coffee!...and behave yourself!"

 

Here is Robert's official memorial, authored by daughters Maggie Morris and Kate Holman

 

Robert "Bob" Henry Sparnicht peacefully left us on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026. Bob was surrounded by love, with his wife, Trudi Sparnicht; their daughters, Emily Borkman and Michelle Sparnicht; and his son-in-law, Jon Borkman, at his side, in spirit his son, Andrew Sparnicht, son-in-law, Cole Baker, as were his daughters Maggie Morris and Kate Holman. Bob leaves behind his grandaughters Sydney Riemersma, Elizabeth Holman, Rosemary Holman, and Madison Borkman; his grandsons William Sparnicht and Luke Borkman; and his great-grandchildren Addison Riemersma and Cooper Riemersma. He was proceeded in death by his father, John Sparnicht; his mother Margaret Sparnicht; his wife Mary Huish; his brothers Jack Sparnicht, William Sparnicht, Charles Sparnicht, surviving brother, Geoff Sparnicht; and surviving sister, Anne Reindhart.   Born on March 19, 1940, in Long Island, New York, Bob was the epitome of the classic boy of the period. If you've ever watched A Christmas Story, you know Ralphie Parker- the quiet kid from the 1940s who moves through the world watching life through a hopeful lense. Well-polished and disciplined, Bob attended Chaminade High School, on Long Island. A member of the Class of 1958, he developed a lifelong love of horticulture and set his sights on attending the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia, Bob married Mary O'Keefe, on October 27, 1961.   At the University of Georgia's Department of Plant Pathology and Plant Genetics, Bob studied soil management and crop production. In June 1972, he published his thesis, Fusarium Boll Rot of Cotton: Pathogenicity and Histopathology, a work that continues to be cited in agricultural publications. Bob earned his Doctor of Philosophy in 1973. Bob and Mary began their family with the birth of their daughter Margaret and son Andrew. After graduation, the family returned to Long Island, New York where Bob began his professional career in agricultural and chemical research and sales.   In August 1975, the family was westbound to Kansas and landed in Prairie Village, Kansas. Shortly after their move, Bob and Mary welcomed their daughter, Katie. Bob began his work for Thompson Hayward Chemical Company as Director of Field Research and Development. After leaving Thompson Hayward, Bob joined Velsicol Chemical Corporation, where his work eventually took him throughtout Kansas. He traveled extensively as a chemical sales representative, visiting farms, and facilities and building relationships.   During his pastime he was involved in the Catholic Church with the Knights of Columbus, his 1972 Volkswagon Bug, waiting and watching trains pass in the train yards, model trains, volunteering with Girls Scouts, Boy Scouts, coaching soccer, an listening to a baseball game.   In January 1988, Bob relocated to California to return to his passion for plants. While working at San Gabriel Nursery, Bob met his forever love and life partner, Trudi Barr. Bob and Trudi were married on April 27, 1989 and together they welcomed daughters, Emily and Michelle. Bob spent his time supporting the PTA, organizing school activities, and volunteering at the high school concession stand.   Bob enjoyed his time watching baseball, watching and listening for aircraft and listening to classical music or talk radio. He and Trudi share their beautiful talents in ornamental gardening. Together they created incredible gardens. Just as Michelle stated, "Bob was a friend to all whether it be a pet, a plant or a person", he enjoyed company and conversation. He had a knack for welcoming others.   He may be beyond our physical world but we will always feel his presence in the gardens, a passing Lionel train, the country fields, while listening to talk radio, the airfields, rooting for the LA Dodgers game, the sunsets and a cup of coffee.   We love you, Bob. We love you, Dad. Forever in our hearts and memories.