We are sad to announce the passing of Richard Herbert Parker.
Richard was born and raised in Powell River. He was predeceased by his wife Betty in 2014 as well as his beloved sisters Joan and Judy. He leaves behind his three children Scott (Julie), Brent (Jovelyn) and Jenn (Chad), his grandchildren Hanna, Cam, Jackson, Danica, Kyler and Rylan, his sister Carol (Trev) in Quesnel, and his Powell River brothers-in-law Pat Lemna and Don Logan and their families.
Richard spent his youth hunting and fishing with his dad and grandfather. He loved the outdoors and his family, and he made sure to pass on the importance of both to his children.
After high school, he got a job in the mill, where he first worked on the docks and then as a millwright.
As a young man, he met a cute Ukrainian woman named Betty who had moved to town and they were soon married. They bought a house on Jordan Street, where they lived for more than 50 years, raised their family, and he gained the self-proclaimed title as “Mayor of Jordan Street.”
Richard gifted countless hours to community youth coaching soccer and driving kids to track and field meets all over the province. He loved his time volunteering for the forestry museum, maintaining the trail at Willingdon Beach, and being Betty’s official perogy-pinching helper.
Richard lived the last two years at Willington Creek, and never lost his wonderful sense of humour despite a long battle with Alzheimer’s dementia. We would like to thank the team at Willington Creek that provided him care and safety, and adjusted to his ever-changing needs through the challenges of a global pandemic.
A celebration of life will be held in Richard’s honour in the spring.
