Percy Parker

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Percy Parker of Winnipeg, Manitoba on November 13, 2002.
Percy was predeceased by his parents William and Florence Parker, two brothers, one sister and his infant son. He is survived by one sister and one brother.
He will be lovingly remembered by Vera, his wife of 52 years, their seven children: Sandra (Ray) Horbaty of Kenora, Ontario; Carol (Garry) Dyck of Niverville, Manitoba; Diane (Mike) Rusnak of St. Albert, Alberta; Jim (Luann) Parker of Sherwood Park, Alberta; Eileen (Eugene) Heyens of Rainy River, Ontario; Noreen (Mark) Montgomery of Winnipeg, Manitoba; and Tom (Gisele) Parker of Oakbank, Manitoba; their eighteen grandchildren: Jennifer (Toby) Horbaty, Jonathon Horbaty, Melanie (Ray) Hall, Ryan Dyck, Kelly (Wendel) Friesen, Leanne Dyck, Chris Rusnak, Michelle Rusnak, Ian Parker, Allison Parker, Amanda Heyens, Heidi Heyens, Derek Montgomery, Karen Montgomery, Marc Parker, William Parker, Michael Parker and Lauren Parker; and also one great granddaughter Julia Hall.
Percy was born in Shenston, Ontario on June 7, 1919. His family moved to Rainy River in 1927 where he lived for most of his life. He married Vera Wilson on January 2, 1950. He gave forty-one years of service to the CNR, which included time served in the Royal Canadian Air Force. He retired in 1977 at age fifty-eight and worked a short time at the Rainy River Health Center. Throughout his working years he also took on many carpentry jobs in the Rainy River area. He volunteered many hours at the Rainy River Curling Club. He served as secretary-treasurer for the club for seventeen years and was given lifetime membership. He had served his community of Rainy River on the recreation board, on the school board, as a member of town council, as a member of St. James Anglican Church, and had been a Past Master of Ionic Lodge #461. He received his fifty year pin as a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, but had been a continuous member for fifty-six years.
Percy loved to spend time with his family at the cabin they built on Lake of the Woods. He loved music and his family fondly remembers him playing the trombone, accordion and the organ. He will be remembered for his integrity, honesty, and determination,. He was a devoted father and grandfather, a loving husband and loyal friend.
In accordance with Percy’s wishes there will be no memorial service. A private family gathering has already taken place.

Each Life is a song

A life is like a song we write
In our own tone and key,
Each life we touch reflects a note
That forms the melody.
We choose the theme and chorus
For the song to bear our name,
And each will have a special sound
No two can be the same.
So when someone we love departs
In memory we find,
Their song plays on within the hearts
Of those they leave behind.