Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba, Horizons, no. 67, September 2023, pp 14-15:
Fr Brian Sparksman: Remembering a Life Embracing Faith, Ministry and Unity, by Ingrid McTaggart

Brian Joseph Sparksman was born in Warwick on 20 March 1936 to Jacob (Dick) Sparksman and Ellen Mary Eastwood. Brian had one brother Charles who predeceased him in 2003.

Brian attended school at Mt Marshall State School, Christian Brothers College Warwick and Downlands College Toowoomba. It was at Downlands College in March 1951 that Brian contracted polio. Although he recovered, Brian required assistance to walk with a calliper. It was a disability he rarely complained about or presented a barrier to him enjoying life.

In 1964, Brian commenced his study for the priesthood at Pius XII Seminary, Banyo and was ordained on 6 August 1970 in Warwick by Bishop William Brennan. By all accounts, in true "Sparky" style, it was a grand celebration.

In addition to his study at Banyo, Fr Brian attended the Queensland Conservatorium of Music from 1969 to 1970. He also studied at the Catholic University of America from 1977 to 1980, attaining his Doctorate in Canon Law. Fr Brian served the parish communities of Holy Name and St Theresa's during different periods in the 70s, 80s and early 90s. He served as chaplain to Lourdes Home from 1994 to 2003.

In October of 1988, Fr Brian was appointed Chancellor of the diocese, a role he held until 2014. During this time, Fr Brian was Diocesan Ecumenical Officer from 1994-2015 and Vicar for Ecumenism from 2015-2018.

In 2005, Fr Brian released his autobiography "Ballinclay Lane". Set against the backdrop of his battle with polio, the book delved into his physical and spiritual journey. In his story, Fr Brian found light in the darkest of times and cherished moments of warmth and humour.

Fr Brian also had a keen interest in his family history. He travelled to England and Ireland with cousins to find family connections and coauthored family history books. Fr Brian's forebears worked on Glengallon Homestead. In later years, he joined the Glengallon Historical Society and put his love of history to work by helping in their Archives.

In 2018, Fr Brian stepped away from active ministry and entered St Vincent's Care Services (formerly Lourdes Home) to receive full-time care. The next five years saw Fr Brian's memory and cognitive function deteriorate. Even in declining health, he was cared for and visited often by his beloved friends and family. Fr Brian died peacefully on the morning of 22 July 2023.

At his funeral on 7 August 2023, Fr Brian was remembered as a kind man of faith, a committed priest, an intrepid traveller, a classical music lover and a talented singer. Above all, he was remembered as committed to the ideals of ecumenism and respectful inter-faith dialogue.

Mark Copland, formerly from the Toowoomba Diocese and colleague of Fr Brian's, called him a "gentle peacemaker and community builder." In tribute, Mark said, "He built bridges between Christian denominations, across many faith traditions and between all people of goodwill. People in the Toowoomba community walk across these bridges built by Fr Brian every day. His gift of bringing people together has left us with a wonderful legacy."

In a statement from the man himself, read by Fr Peter Doohan as part of his eulogy of Fr Brian, "I have always been grateful to the diocese of Toowoomba for accepting me to study for the priesthood at a time when people with my serious disability did not find such acceptance.

I have enjoyed being part of the Diocese of Toowoomba, where great things happen for God. I have enjoyed the opportunity for seeking a path to church unity with so many wonderful people of other faiths."

Copies of "Ballinclay Lane" are available from the Diocesan Archives. Ph: 07 4632 7484 Email: dioarch@twb.catholic.org.au