Robert Edward Parker

The family of Robert Edward (Ed) Parker are sad to announce his passing early February 5th at Peace Arch Hospital in White Rock, BC. He was born on the Parker family farm near Broadview, Saskatchewan on June 12, 1929. In 1947 Ed left for Weyburn to start a psychiatric nursing program. He graduated in the spring of 1950 and obtained his registration shortly after, something he was very proud of. By his second year he was engaged to Clare Ellen Annis, who was also in the training program, and they were married in June 1949.  Clare and Ed moved to Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan in 1954 and got busy raising their four children. The family moved to Regina in 1967 when Ed took on a job with the province. Ed was widowed in 1975. In 1978 Ed married Vi Downs and blended their two families. He retired as the Director of Vocational Rehabilitation in 1984. He and Vi moved to Vancouver Island in 1989, settling in South Surrey in 1994, where Ed enjoyed many hobbies, his community and family.

Left to mourn are current wife, Vi (Downs, née Baggenstos), children from his first marriage: Deborah Parker-Loewen and children Paul, Sarah, and Trent; Glen Parker (Dolores) and children Marie-Clare and Erich, Dana Parker and daughter Clare, Lin Gallagher (Ron) and children Kyle, Ryan, Colin, and Kelsey; stepdaughter Linda Colasacco (Rick) and her children Greg and Lia; and stepdaughter-in-law Kathy Downs and children Larissa, Alex, and Samantha. He is also survived by one of 7 siblings, Gordon. Ed was delighted to have 17 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Clare, stepchildren Allan and Nancy Downs, and sons-in-law Rob Loewen and Sandro Colasacco.

Ed often shared how grateful he was for the people who nurtured and supported him throughout his life. He particularly appreciated Vi and his extended and blended family for their love and devotion. We will miss his kindness, curiosity, joy and especially his stories.

The family would like to thank all of Ed’s caregivers throughout his brief illness and passing including the staff at Crescent Gardens and Peace Arch Hospital. Remembrances can be made through a charity of your choice or the Canadian National Institute for the Blind.

A celebration of life will be held in Regina, Saskatchewan at a later date.