It is with deep regret and sorrow that we announce the passing of Lionel Patrick Parker, on the morning of 31 December 2023.
“Pat” was in many ways shaped as a boy and young man by the turbulent years of WW2. As a result, he enjoyed a successful military career, first as an air cadet, where he was chosen from thousands to be presented to then King George VI. Later he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and became a radar-navigator and weapons controller flying the Avro CF-100 aircraft.
After the cancellation of the Avro Arrow in 1959, Pat left the RCAF. Shortly thereafter, following another of his passions, he started a second career as a teacher. He taught for many years at North Island Secondary School (NISS) in Port McNeill. Pat was a positive influence in the lives of many as a teacher and through the many organizations and clubs to which he volunteered his time and passion. Some of these included the Lions Club, the Advisory Planning Commission, the local branch of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, Top Island Econauts, Port McNeill Flying Club and the Civil Aviation Search and Rescue Association.
In more recent years, Pat lived in the waterfront house he built at Bliss Landing, near the entrance to Desolation Sound north of Powell River. At Bliss, Pat enjoyed boating and local social activities, including many progressive dinner parties with his friends, the “winter people.” After a year in hospital and six months in long term care, Pat passed away much as he lived, on his own terms and in his own time.
Born in Edmonton on 22 October 1932, Pat was predeceased by his father Lionel and mother Beatrice Pecknold. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years Kathy, son Robin (Anne), daughter Jennifer (Darren) and six grandchildren Samantha, Ben, Luke, Zack, Amy and Michael. Pat is also survived by his “younger” sister Faye.
Deeply caring and known for his dry sense of humour, storytelling, as well as his love of family, friends, community and country, he will be sorely missed by all of us. Pat was 91 years old.
A small celebration of life with family will be held in Pat's honour in the coming weeks. A “dock party” will also be held to celebrate Pat's life at Bliss Landing in the summer. Pat's remains will be cremated and interred at Mountain View Cemetery in Vancouver.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Royal Canadian Air Force Association or to BC SPCA .
