The world is a sadder place today due to the passing of Lynn M. Jackson, also known as Sparkle the Clown.
For over 30 years Sparkle was an entertainer of children and adults alike. Through her original music, magic show and balloon artistry, Sparkle was a consummate thespian. With her musical partner Kenan Sweezy, she performed at The Islands Folk Festival, Folk Life in Seattle, Hillside Mall, Clown Fest at Galey’s Farm, and elsewhere. Lynn was born in 1946, at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables Florida when it was a military hospital. She grew up in Louisville Kentucky, moved to Canada and met Norman Jackson in Edmonton. Norm and Lynn have been married for 32 years. For 2l of those years they owned Selkirk Guest House B&B in Victoria, BC. Lynn is survived by her children Rachel Cooper, and Dave and Douglas Jackson, heartdaughter Laura; eight grandchildren; mother – 88 year old Tilly; brothers Robb and Charlie; sisters Lisa and Barbara.
Lynn had Cancer for 4 years and passed away in Victoria Hospice February 6, 2012. A Bahai service at Royal Oak Burial Park in the Woodlands section will take place on February 8, 2012 at 2:00pm. Costumes are optional. Donations in memory may be made to the Cancer Agency or Victoria Hospice.
A celebration of Lynn’s life will take place at Norway House on February 17th, from 3:00pm – 10:00pm. Please bring musical instruments. Sparkles costumes will be silently auctioned with proceeds to Victoria Hospice. Condolences to the family may be offered below.
The Clown’s Prayer
Lord, as we stumble through this life help us to create more laughter than tears, dispense more happiness than gloom, spread more cheer than despair. Never let us become so indifferent that we will fail to see the wonder in the eyes of a child or the twinkle in the eyes of the aged. Never let us forget that our total effort is to cheer people, make them happy and forget at least for a moment, all the unpleasant things in their lives. And Lord, in our final moment, may we hear you whisper: “When you made my people smile, you made me smile”. God Bless.
19 Responses
Norm, we are deeply sorry and saddened to hear that Lynn has gone so quickly. She was such a life force and brought so much pleasure to so many. Please know that we are thinking about you.
Shirley & Bill
Dear Norm and Rachel and family,
We are so sorry and sad to hear of the passing of your beautiful wife and mother and grandmother. What a wonderful, warm, fun, and generous woman. We feel very lucky to have watched her perform and to have spent a little time with her at the Islands Folk Festival and the Sooke River Bluegrass Festival and various points in between – Saanich Fair, Hillside Mall. She was always so awesome, says Ezra. With much love, Sara, Hazel, Ezra, and Alden
Although I did not know Lynn very well personally, I do know more about Sparkle, An icon to Victoria. Everybody knew Sparkle and loved her, the smiles she gave to others will allways be remembered.
Under the beautiful smiling face was another beautiful smiling face. A wife , a mother , a grandmother, a friend and More.
A multi faceted woman.
Was my pleasure having Lynn for my neighbour although a short time I will always be looking for “Sparke”
My condolances to Norm and all the family.
I am so sorry to hear of Lyn’s passing.I love her zest for life.I work at the Gorge Shopper’s Drug Mart and Lyn and I shared many good laughs.She came in too say good-bye to me a few weeks ago.Even the fact Sparkles outfits are being used to raise funds for Hospice is just another sign of the unselfishness of this woman and her Family.God bless you all!!Yes Lyn just as you said I am going down a blonde!!XOXOXOXOXO I will Miss you!!
I feel honored to have met a women like Sparkle. Through her I met also your wonderful family.
I learned that no matter what happens, have fun, every day, make others smile, big and small. If we all take it on to create sparkles in each others eyes and hearts, “Sparkles” legacy will live on.
Norm and Rachel and family, I think about you and send you a smile full of sympathy and warmth. Take good care of yourself. I will bring glitter tomorrow.
Susi Sushine (Facepainter)
Dear Norm….Ernie and I are saddened by your loss of your incredible wife, Lyn alias ~*Sparkle*~. I was inspired by Lyn’s grace and courage during her valiant battle with cancer these past 4 years. She was amazing………
AMAZING……… something or someone that is so wonderful, it is hard to find the words to match. Something or someone that makes your heart beat faster or your heart melt. Something or someone that tops everything else, and always crosses your mind…………..that, my friend, was Lyn.
Our deepest condolences you and your family at this difficult time.
Much love,
Yvonne xoxoxo
Our hearts reach out to yours, with love-with sympathy-with caring.
Thinking of you and the family at this difficult time.
Lynn always had the gift of making people happy. Everyone was always drawn to her. She was always upbeat and yet grounded. How wonderful to hear all she accomplished and about her career as Sparkles. I have always wondered what happened to her and to Barbie since our paths went different ways. My sympathy to her family. You will be in my prayers.
Linda
Norm,
As I mentioned on the phone, I don’t know what to say. The years pass all too quickly, my old friend. The Edmonton period seems like it almost never existed. I remember when you and Lyn first stopped on your bikes to chat with me in Riverdale.
Lyn was probably the gentlest spirit I have known. Lyn’s radiant smile in the above photos says it all. The world would be a better place with folks like Lyn. (You and I on the other hand!)
Please keep in touch more. The few kilometres between our homes seem like halfway around the world. It may be time to throw our tents up on Discovery Island and share a campfire?
Love,
Brad and Cheryl
Lynn was one of my very first “best friends”. Although we lost touch long ago, I have fond memories of overnights with Lynn and with Barbie, adventures in their mom’s Brownie and Scout troop, and confidences and giggles shared. I can tell that she continued to be a bright star for many throughout her life.