March 1, 1923 - May 15, 2020
Charles Parker came to the close of a full & energetic life, peacefully in his home with his family at his side. Born in Athabasca, Alberta, he was the only child of Charles and Barbara (nee Dick) Parker. Finishing his schooling at St John's Boys School in Winnipeg, he trained as navigator in the Air Force just short of active service in WWII. In 1945 he joined his father in the general store in Athabasca.
He married Anna, a beautiful local girl, in 1947 and together they raised four children. In his community he was lay reader with the Anglican Church and Commanding Officer with the Air Cadets, a curler and golfer, he took flying lessons with Anna and flew their own Fleet Canuck.
He built a boat, the 'Smiling Charlie' to sail on nearby Baptiste Lake. Charles's active involvement in the Athabasca Concert Party theatre group led to the decision to pursue a B Ed Degree at the U of A graduating in 1969. He returned to his beloved hometown to teach and lead his Drama students to Provincial Awards.
Retiring to Duncan in 1979, Charles plunged energetically into his artistic endeavours, acting and directing in the Cowichan Musical Society, January Players, forming a travelling troupe Take Ten Theatre and co ordinating Duncan's hosting of the BC Festival of the Arts.
Over the course of 30 some years, Charles's friendly face became well known with fellow Seniors and he served as President of the OAPO and of the independent Valley Seniors Organization, newly formed in 1996. As director of the VSO Senior Choir he encouraged the value of song and sang into his final year.
Charles was predeceased by parents, Barbara (1972), Charles (1977) and wife Anna (nee Devlin) (2010). He is missed and survived by his children Larry (Rosemarie) Karen (Rob) Elaine and Randy (Louise), 14 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.
With warm hearted optimism and generosity he lived amongst his family and community. Our beloved father and grandfather will be remembered with much love and honoured with due respect in a memorial service at a later date.