Ross Parnell
1926-2019
Ross Borden Parnell (93), Wileville, slipped away peacefully
and without fanfare at Hillside Pines on July 21, 2019. He was born in
Charleston, May 25, 1926.
He was married to my mother, Lillian for 22 years before her
death and together they had two children, Karen and
Michelle.
Dad loved his family deeply and was the anchor of our
household. He adored and “bragged” about his only biological
grandchild, Zachary. His son-in-law David was like a son to him, they
shared a great love for one another. His step-grandchildren Trisha and
Tony were also an extremely important part of his life while they
lived at home. He never forgot them.
My father lived a simple life and the farthest he ever
traveled from home was Antigonish. He was master jokester and remained
so to his end. He worked as a carpenter most of his adult life and
never forgot a home built or a nail driven in Queens and Lunenburg
County. A drink of rum in the afternoon, we feel, attributed to his
long life.
After retirement you could find Dad in the kitchen, cooking
or baking. Our favourite dish; sweet and sour chicken and we think he
made the best homemade bread on the South Shore, which he often shared
with others. His peach fruit cake was always served around our
Christmas table.
Later in life Dad found his second love, a wonderful woman,
Ruby Skinner and they spent fourteen years together until her death.
Card playing and visiting friends was their favourite
pastime.
Dad was diagnosed with dementia five years ago and throughout
those years we had some “tough times” but our small family
unit remained strong and intact. His driver, Sue became an extremely
important part of his life at that time and we are eternally grateful
for her time and compassion.
In January, 2019, he moved to Shoreham Village in Chester and
later to Hillside Pines in Bridgewater, he enjoyed the camaraderie. He
took to both like a “duck to water”, enjoying every
minute.
Ross is survived by 1 daughter , Karen (David)
Parnell-Herrick; grandson Zachary; 2 step-grandchildren Trish (Earl)
Braun, Saskatchewan and Tony, Saskatchewan; 3 great grandchildren;
brothers, Wallace (Theda Carroll), Brooklyn, Douglas (Judy),
Charleston; Arthur, British Columbia; sister Erma,
Bridgewater.
He was predeceased by parents Elisha and Lillian (Firth);
wife Lillian (Weagle); daughter Michelle in infancy; partner Ruby
Skinner; brothers Malcolm, Leon; sisters Mildred Woodworth, Esther
DeLong, Elsie Freeman, Edra Wentzell.
At Dad’s request there will be no service. He lived
a fulfilling life and he would have wanted you to “save your
money, you never know when you might need it.” Memorial donations
may be made to Hope for Wildlife. Arrangements are under the direction
of the R.A. Corkum Funeral Home, Wileville, where on-line condolences
may be made by visiting www.corkumfuneralhome.ca
Do what is right, be kind, be honest and help others. This world can
use more people like that, and if you are capable, please do it for
someone Dad’s age.
We love you Pops.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Ross Parnell 19262019..
Death notice for the town of: Wileville, Province: Nova Scotia