Thomas Jay Parker

PARKER, Thomas Jay (Thomas-Jay Kevin Elder)

July 8, 1998 – July 5, 2022

Thomas Jay Parker (Elder) passed away on Tuesday, July 5, 2022 at the age of 23 years, in the ICU at the Rockyview Hospital in Calgary, Alberta.

He will be lovingly remembered by his partner, Owen Henderson; mother, Amber Elder and step-father, Tyler Cade; father, Kevin Elder, and step-mother, Trina Elder; sister, Janaya (Zenon) Parchewsky; brother, Kirklynd Elder (Madison Drury); nieces & nephews, Neveah, Ella, Malikai and Sebastian; grandparents, Bert and Elaine Elder, John and Jackie Bajak, and Carole Bajack; as well as many uncles, aunties, cousins and friends.

Thomas-Jay Kevin Elder was born on July 8, 1998 in Saskatoon. The youngest child to Amber and Kevin, and the youngest brother to Janaya and Kirklynd. To say he had it easy, even from the start would be a fallacy. He was born premature at 33 weeks and spent his first few months after he was born, fighting to survive in ICU.

Growing up he always enjoyed playing with his siblings and friends, outside riding bikes, jumping on the trampoline and playing imaginary games. He spent lots of time out at the lake with family swimming, making saskatoon berry jam, going on the boat and riding in the go carts.

Thomas recently completed his first year of welding school and received a Boilermaker Union membership. He was very proud of his new career, and he was flourishing in his new role. Everyone he worked with always said he was a hard worker and had a great sense of humor.

Thomas will be remembered by his infectious laugh, a laugh that lit up any room. He went out of his way to smile and say hello to anyone he met. He always ended every conversation with “I Love You” no matter what. Thomas made you feel safe and at home, you could always be your true self around him. He loved exploring and when it came to trying new things, he had a fearless attitude. He loved going to the mountains with friends & and family, snowboard trips, golfing, long walks with loved ones, building computer systems and gaming. Family meant a lot to Thomas, he loved spending time with the ones he loved. He was an incredible son, brother, friend and most importantly uncle. He loved & adored his nieces and nephews so much.

A note to Thomas:

Words cannot express how much you will be missed, and although we all feel like you were taken far too soon from this world. I know you lived a beautiful life and changed the world for the better. We will hold you close to our hearts for the rest of our days. We’re so lucky to have shared such incredible memories with you. You will be greatly missed, you are so loved. You can’t place a value on the amount of love shared here today for you.

Thomas Jay Parker.

No time we spent together will be lost, every moment shared is remembered and cherished.

Thomas’ family would like to thank the staff at the ICU Rockyiew Hospital, you all stepped up and helped our family feel accepted and listened to at this timebof need, as well as the HOPE Foundation for giving 2 recipients a second chance at life when one was just lost.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Medicine Hat at Echodale Park on Saturday, September 3, 2022 from 1:00PM – 4:00PM.

The family would like any donations to be made to the Mental Health Society, 6^th floor, 9942 – 108 Street NW, Edmonton, AB, T5K 2J5.