Obituary of Donald Earl Parks

Don was born in Regina on a very special Christmas day in 1937 to Eugene and Bernice.

Growing up as the son of an Air Force veteran, Don lived in many locations. He loved living in England, Ottawa, and later, Toronto.

After graduating from Engineering at The University of Toronto, Don met Sheila (Tobin) and they married in 1966. Together Don and Sheila raised three brilliant children: Grant (Jansje), Carolyn (Tim) and Susie (George). The travelling continued with Don’s career of selling large scale nuclear and industrial power pumps. The family lived in Toronto, Montreal, Markham, Connecticut, Edmonton and Waterloo.

Later in life Don found love again. In 1991 he was introduced to Marg (Lannan)  by their mutual friend Hugh. Don and Marg married in 1996. Marg brought Jennifer (Ben), and John (Clara) into his life. Don and Marg spent 35 years together enjoying family, work and travel, deeply caring for one another, and building a shared life rooted in partnership and deep affection.

Over the years, Don and Marg celebrated the growth of their family with eight grandchildren. Don said being a granddad was an experience even better than he could have imagined. He took great pride in all of the accomplishments of Roelien (Josh), Danielle, Luke, Leyna, Matias, Giselle, Tamsine and Annabelle. He showed his love by taking a genuine interest in their pursuits.

Don will be greatly missed by his lifelong friends Hugh Thomson, Bob Posliff, and Will Tulloch.  Don and Marg had decades of friendship and travel with Mark and Linda Pakan creating great memories.   

Don was precise, detail oriented, and methodical. He was an avid list maker, often pulling out a small spiral notebook that fit neatly in his pocket.  A Swiss Army knife was never far away. Preparation mattered to him. Taking care of details was a way of taking care of the people he loved, and he made those around him feel looked after. 

Don loved the outdoors and found peace in nature. He hunted on the Saskatchewan prairies, fished the lakes of Ontario, and camped throughout the country’s beautiful parks. He was happiest where there were trees. Wherever he lived, Don somehow managed to have more trees around his home than anyone else. Among his many talents and hobbies were cooking, gardening and woodworking. 

As dad and Grandpa, Don will always be remembered for his sage advice, sometimes asked for and sometimes not. It was often a source of family jokes, always backed by solid engineering logic, and offered with love. 

Above all, Don was someone you could rely on.

As a family we have spent the last days reminiscing with favourite stories and old  jokes. As Don requested,  there will be no funeral. Don and Marg have been strong supporters of the Children's Aid Society of London & Middlesex. In Don's memory, if you wish to make a donation please use this link Donate Form - Children's Aid Society London and Middlesex

And for now, Don is gone fishing.  

A life well lived.