RICHARD THOMAS PARKER

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RICHARD THOMAS PARKER

1937 - 2023

It is with deep sorrow we announce that in the early morning of December 23, 2023 at the age of 86 Richard peacefully passed away at the Grace Hospital with family at his side.

Richard was predeceased by his beloved wife Pat in 2016, son Colin in 2000, mother Evelyn, father Len and sister Irena.

Richard is survived by son Brian (Laurie), daughter Angela and grandchildren Catherine (Eric), Peter (Serena and baby Friesen, daughter by choice Christie (Kyle) and their four daughters Kaitlyn, Haley, Kylie and Madyson, brother David (Sharyn), niece Marcia from New Zealand and sister-in-law Enid (Denis) and their children Tina, Graham and Neil in England.

Richard had the kindest soul and always saw the best in everyone, he would give you the shirt off his back and the last dollar in his pocket.

Dick was born in Little Casterton, Rutland, England in 1936, growing up on the family farm. Richard joined the Royal Air Force Boy Entrance program at the age of 15 where he trained in airplane mechanics.

In 1958, at the age of 21, Dick married his beloved Pat, and they started their family. Brian was born in 1959, then Colin in 1960. The family moved to Bolton, Ontario, Canada in 1967 and settled in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Following this in 1968, Dick started his 28-year career at Canadian Airlines, working his way up to maintenance supervisor. Pat and Dick completed their family when they adopted Angela in 1970. Pat and Dick spent 57 years together, raising their three children, and doted on their grandchildren. Pat and Dick were never far apart from each other, they enjoyed traveling, canoeing, and camping. You could often find Pat and Dick in their backyard digging in their gardens or playing with their newfie dogs. In their later years, Pat and Dick would spend hours walking the grounds at the Assiniboine Park where they admired the beautiful flowers and rested on the bench, they got in memory of their late son Colin.

Dick spent his last year at Golden West Centennial Lodge living with dementia. The family wants to thank Darcie and all the staff on the 5th floor at Golden West for taking such good care of Richard and the Grace Hospital emergency room staff for your kind and gentle support during Dick’s short stay.

Our hearts hurt and we will miss you dearly, however you are now reunited with your soulmate and love of your life, Pat.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Assiniboine Park Conservatory Fund, 55 Pavilion Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R3P 2N6.

As per Richard’s wishes cremation has taken place and a private interment will be held at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home at a later date.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 30, 2023, Dec 30, 2023