Edward “John” Parker

Parker, Edward JOHN 1931 - 2016

Edward John Parker (“John”) passed away peacefully at Mill Creek Care Centre, Barrie, Ontario on April 13, 2016 at the age of 84.  He was predeceased by parents, Nellie and Hector Parker of Bristol, England.

John is survived by his loving wife, Margaret (“Meg”) of 60 years.  They were married in Bognor Regis, Sussex, England on December 31^st, 1955.

John is remembered with love by daughter Jennifer Parker of White Rock, BC, son Alistair and his wife Michelle, of Barrie, and son Jeremy and his wife Amy, of Elmvale.  John aka “Granddad” adored his grandchildren Emily, Thomas, Christopher, Alison and Odin.  He will be sadly missed by brothers George and Michael in England, as well as extended family in England, Australia and USA.

Born in Bristol, England in 1931, John started his career as an apprentice with G.N. Haden & Sons, Heating & Ventilating Engineers, in 1948.  He earned a National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering in 1950.  After serving with the British Royal Navy from 1951 to 1953, John completed his degree, graduating from the Institution of Heating & Ventilating Engineers. In 1965 John accepted a position in Toronto, Ontario, Canada as Senior Designer with G. Granek & Associates, Consulting Engineers.  Immigrating to Canada in 1965, John was followed by Meg, and children Jennifer and Alistair, in 1966.  The family took up residence in Don Mills, where they formed treasured friendships that would last a lifetime.  After a move to Markham, John continued to pursue additional post-graduate training at both the University of Toronto and at Waterloo.  Meg and John joyfully welcomed son Jeremy in 1972.  John was registered as a Professional Engineer in the Province of Ontario May 29^th, 1975, an accomplishment of which he was very proud.  John joined the Ontario Ministry of Health, Hospital Planning Branch in 1979 as a Senior Consultant and worked there until his retirement in 1996, moving to Barrie shortly thereafter.

John loved music and playing the piano, having trained with the Royal Conservatory of Music.  He loved playing (and watching!) golf.  He greatly enjoyed a pint of beer shared with family & friends.  With wife Meg, John delighted in hosting the neighborhood “Kingswood Darts Club” at their home in Barrie for many years.  John was a member of St. George’s Anglican Church, the Barrie British Club, Allandale Seniors Centre, the Army, Navy & Air Force Club, and the Canadian Legion.

Peaceful Transition Cremation Services of Barrie were entrusted with cremation arrangements and cremation has taken place.  A celebration of life was held at St. George’s Anglican Church, 9 Granville St, Barrie, Ontario, L4N 3K1 on Tuesday April 19^th, 2016 with Fr. David Warren officiating. 

The family wishes to express the most heartfelt appreciation to the Staff of Mill Creek Care Centre who knew John and cared for him with the utmost compassion.  During his stay there, his life was enriched by the friendships he developed with other residents, and the opportunity to share his love of music with all around him. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada.  Donations can be made online at www.heartandstroke.on.ca or via post to 112 Commerce Park Drive, Unit 1, Barrie, Ontario L4N 8W8.  Condolences for the family may be offered online at www.peacefultransition.ca.