February 7, 2019
With great sadness, we announce the passing of Joseph Lynn Parker. Joe passed away peacefully February 7th at the North Island Hospital in Campbell River with his family by his side.
Joe is survived by his loving wife Nancy, his sons; Scott (Erin) and Rob (Carey-Jo), and grandson Oscar, as well as brothers; Ray (Michele) and Frank, sisters; Carol and Marilyn (Gordon), and many nieces and nephews in BC and Alaska. He was pre-deceased last year by his sister, Gail.
Joe was born in pre-war North Vancouver and often reminisced about his childhood. He enjoyed telling stories about the colourful characters who lived in their working-class North Vancouver neighbourhood-just up the hill from the shipyards where his father worked. The Parkers are, in their way, a family of historians and storytellers, a trait that Joe took into his professional life as a teacher of history, geography, and English. After high school, Joe trained as a teacher at UBC, and was proud to be the first of his family to graduate with a university degree.
It was on a trip to Alaska in the summer of 1962 that he met Nancy, who was to be his wife and companion for 55 wonderful years. After marrying in Alaska in December of 1963, they moved to Quesnel where Joe was teaching at the time. Shortly after, Joe and Nancy moved to Kitsilano in Vancouver, and then to the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island in 1966.
Joe first came to Comox in the early 1950s as a teenager with the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets at what is now HMCS Quadra. This experience made a lasting impact on him and when the opportunity came to teach in the Comox Valley, he and Nancy didn't hesitate to take it. They intended to stay for a year, but instead made a life on the Island, proudly raising two sons and enjoying the company of many close friends. Joe taught for years at Robb Road School in Comox until he retired in 1995.
It was in his retirement years that Joe was able to realize his lifelong dream of travelling to the many places he had read and taught about. Joe and Nancy made several trips to Europe on their own and with friends. Joe and Nancy also made many trips together on Vancouver Island (Tofino was a particular favourite) and throughout BC, as well as cruises to Alaska and the Caribbean.
Joe's life will be celebrated with his favourite tea and goodies in a gathering at the Kingfisher Resort, March 23rd at 3 pm. For those who would like to attend, please RSVP here http://evite.me/N7PrrqJbpE or call 250-650-8787.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his name to Hydrocephalus Canada or the Cumberland Adult Day Program.