Richard PARKER

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PARKER: Dr. Richard Henderson Parker passed away peacefully at the Brandon Regional Health Centre Sunday, May 31, 2009, with his family by his side. He was born in Regina, Saskatchewan, July 9, 1919, the oldest of four children to Samuel Rutherford Parker and Elizabeth Riddell Henderson Parker. Dick took his primary schooling in Regina, Saskatchewan, with one year spent at Dollar Academy in Scotland. He attended University of Saskatoon for Engineering, then received his Teachers Certificate from Normal School of Regina. He joined the Army - 1st Canadian Division Corps of Signals. Afterbeing very badly injured in 1940, he returned to Canada and entered into Medicine - graduating from the University of Manitoba in 1948. He was the first overseas veteran to graduate in Medicine in Canada under the Veterans Education Benefit. Each year, he went to the DVA office and thanked the staff for his grant. He was entitled to 3 years, but the staff took it upon themselves to lobby for further grants. The grant included further graduate studies anywhere in the world. He did the DPM (Diploma of Psychological Medicine) course at Leeds University in Britain and worked at the Retreat in York, England. He was hired back to Canada in 1960 and worked at the Brandon Mental Health Centre. He initiated travelling clinics to the Health Units from Flin Flon - to Virden - to Killarney. He travelled first by car, and then by Government Air Service and finally Charters from Brandon Flying Club and Maple Leaf Aviation. He travelled with a team of Psychologist; Social Workers; Speech Pathologist and Secretary. This continued from 1960 to 1983. He retired from the Brandon Mental Health Centre (BMHC) in 1983 and went into private practice for nine more years. After retirement (again) he worked with the Department of Justice - counselling juvenile sexual offenders. He was a life member of the Royal College of Psychiatry - UK; life member of the Canadian Psychiatric Association; a 40 year member of the Royal Canadian Legion; a charter member of Mood Disorders in Western Manitoba; was on the board of CNIB; a former member of the Children's Aid Society; an original member of a Task Force regarding Mental Retardation; was involved with the Wheat City Barbershoppers; charter member of the Philharmonic Choir in Brandon; a member of Delta Upsilon Fraternity, and an active member of St. Matthew's Cathedral for almost 50 years. He was the recipient of the Canada 125 medal in recognition of his community service, and was very proud of this award. Dick was active in sports in his youth; spending summers on a ranch in BC; he loved golfing, and was an avid fisherman - fishing in Northern Manitoba with his good friend - Hugh Camrass. Dick was always open to new experiences - like gliding in Hawaii, white water rafting in Alaska; hot air ballooning in B.C.; and enjoying their many cruises - the last being his third cruise to Alaska just one week before his passing. He was an avid science fiction reader and enjoyed music of all kinds. MOST of all, he enjoyed the company of others. He is survived by his beloved wife Nora, daughters Susan Parker (Bill Aaroe); Hellen (Ken) Burnell, and son David (Sharon) Parker. Grandchildren Trevor (Carey) Pod; Tyler Pod; Susan (Scott) Anderson; Jason Bull (Gina Mazer); Melinda (Chris) Henderson and Heather Burnell. Great grandchildren; Cameron and Rylee Anderson and Marla Henderson. He is also survived by his sister, June Parker of Ottawa. Dick is also survived by relatives in both the USA and UK. He was predeceased by his parents, Samuel Rutherford Parker and Elizabeth Riddell Henderson Parker; brother Samuel Rutherford Parker and sister CatherineDouglas Fraser Parker. Funeral Service w held at St. Matthew's Cathedral Friday, June 5th. Interment was in the Cathedral Columbarium. Urn Bearers were grandsons, Trevor and Tyler Pod. Memorial donations to St. Matthew's Cathedral, 403 - 13th Street, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 4P9 or to Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation, 150 McTavish Avenue East, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 2B3 or to any charity involving children. Expressions of sympathy may be made atwww.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements were with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jun 06, 2009