Bernie Sparkes amassed a brilliant record of achievements during his long reign as one of Canada’s premier curlers. He won a total of twelve provincial and three Canadian and world championships. In addition, he holds the record for most appearances at the Brier with twelve.

Sparkes won his first curling title in 1958, while still in high school in his hometown of Claresholm, Alberta. From those beginnings, he embarked on an illustrious curling career that would span thirty years and two provinces.

While in Alberta, Sparkes won four provincial titles. In 1966, 1968, and 1969, he was second on the Ron Northcott rink from Calgary, which went on to win the Canadian and world championships.

After moving to BC in 1971, Sparkes played on eight BC championship teams (1972-74, 1976, 1978, 1983-84, 1987), six of which he skipped. He competed in eight more Canadian championships (the Labatt Brier) to compile a record-setting twelve appearances: 1966-69 while playing for Alberta and 1972-74, 1976, 1978, 1983-84 and 1987 while playing for BC.

Sparkes also won the 1979 provincial mixed championship. He made the decision to retire soon after the 1987 Labatt Brier, where he finished in the runner-up position.

In 1974, in recognition of his unprecedented curling achievements, Sparkes was inducted into the Canadian Curling Hall of Fame.

Later the popular Sparkes, whose success as a curler was the result of natural talent combined with years of experience, managed the Chilliwack Curling Club.