June 12, 1929 - February 5, 2024
The family of Ed Parker are sad to announce his passing on February 5, 2024 at Peace Arch Hospital. He was born on the Parker family farm near Broadview, Saskatchewan on June 12, 1929.
Ed trained as a psychiatric nurse in Weyburn where he met and married his first wife Clare (née Annis).
After being widowed in 1975, Ed married Vi Downs in 1978 and blended their two families. He retired as the Director of Vocational Rehabilitation for the province of Saskatchewan 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 Kearney) and her children Greg and Lia; stepdaughter-in-law Kathy Downs and children Larissa, Alex and Samantha; and 17 great grandchildren.
He is also survived by one of his 7 siblings, Gordon.
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 was grateful 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.
There will be a service for Ed at Crescent Gardens in South Surrey, and a celebration of life in Regina, Saskatchewan at a later date.