Randy Douglas Parks

After facing cancer with strength and courage, Randy Douglas Parks passed away peacefully on October 21, 2026, surrounded by love and holding the hands of his beloved wife of 55 wonderful years, Laura, or Lolly, as he affectionately called her. Together, they built a life filled with love, family, friendship, laughter, and adventure.

He considered raising his children, Guy (Lindsay) and Amanda (Jeff), to be his life’s greatest work and took immense pride and joy in being Gramps to Jessie (Danielle), Zoe, Rylyn, Katie (Reuben), Allie, Marie, and Lily. He was also a cherished GG Pa to Elliot and Miles, who brought him so much happiness.

Randy was predeceased by his parents, Sheila (Van) and Douglas.  He will be deeply missed by his sister, Kim (Brian), along with his many beloved brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and dear friends.

A heavy equipment mechanic by trade, Randy was the person everyone called when something needed fixing, and somehow, he always seemed to have exactly the right tool. Whether family, friends, or neighbours needed help, Randy was there without hesitation, ready to lend his time, knowledge, and a helping hand.

Randy loved motorcycles, travelling the world with Laura, and anything that brought him onto or near the water.  He spent many happy years cruising the waters of Georgian Bay with their boating family, creating memories that will be treasured forever.  He also enjoyed fishing, although more often than not, the fish managed to get away!

He loved a good game of dice, and when he wasn’t practising to become the next big pool shark, you could usually find him relaxing on the deck of his summer home, vodka and water in hand, good tunes playing, and surrounded by family and friends.  There was always a story to tell, a joke to share, and plenty of laughs along the way.  Those simple summer days, spent together with good music and good company, were the moments that made life special for Randy.

Although he was a quiet, strong, and steady man who didn’t always say much, Randy showed how much he cared through the little things he did for others.  He had a generous heart, was always willing to lend a helping hand, and had a way of making people feel welcome with a smile.

His passing leaves an immeasurable emptiness, but we are grateful for the years he shared with us, the love he gave, and the countless memories we created together.  We will always remember his quiet strength, his clever wit, and that unmistakable dark sense of humour we all knew and loved.  He will be forever loved, deeply missed, and never forgotten.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Heidi DeBoer and his nurse, Robyn. Their kindness and dedication brought comfort to Randy and our family during an incredibly difficult time.  We will always be grateful for the dignity, warmth, and genuine care they showed him.

A Celebration of Randy’s Life will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Gilda’s Club Simcoe Muskoka, 10 Quarry Ridge Road, Barrie, Ontario.

In place of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to Gilda's Club Simcoe Muskoka or Hospice Simcoe in Randy’s memory.