Raymond Parker, born July 22, 1940, in Wakefield, England, son of the late Albert and Mary Hannah (Rollinson) Parker passed away June 14, 2022, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, June Cynthia Parker.
Raymond is survived by his children, Philip Parker (Kath), England, Neill Parker, Spain, Julie MacDonald (Roderick), East Bay, Racheal Dominey, Westmount and Keith Parker (Cindy), Calgary; grandchildren, Kristian Parker (Sophie), England, Aky MacDonald (Andrew Komar), Toronto, Emily MacDonald (Evan), Halifax, John Raymond Dominey, Westmount, Kayla Dominey, Westmount, Matthew Parker, Calgary and Michael Parker, Calgary; great-grandchildren, Cynthia, James and Robin-Raye; sister, Margaret Holly Parker, England; and nieces and nephews.
Before immigrating, with his family, from England in 1979, Raymond worked in English coal mines, eventually becoming a mechanical engineer and visiting mines across the globe. He built a beautiful life in Canada and found a home in Cape Breton.
He was the epitome of a grandfather. He loved playing video games with Aky and Emily, taking them along on weekly Saturday shopping trips. All the grandkids would swim in his pool, and he would always have a ready supply of Kinder Surprise Eggs and Jelly Babies for everyone. Stringing up the Christmas lights with John Raymond was a yearly highlight, and he had a fantastic trip to Cuba with Kayla. He often visited Calgary with Cynthia to spend time with Michael and Matthew, and even Kristian came from England to ride the lawnmower.
Travel and gardening were his passions. He and Cynthia could be counted upon to travel at least once a year to PEI, Florida, or anywhere hot and sunny. At home, he grew dozens of flowers, especially tulips, snap dragons, and Cynthia’s favourite, daffodils. He loved to share the peas, broad beans, and tomatoes from his garden, and Cynthia baked his rhubarb into magnificent pies.
He was an energetic man who filled his life to the brim with hobbies right up to the very end. He found pure joy in the little things: having a Blue with the BBQ, cooking lobster, working on jigsaw puzzles, golfing, watching Formula One, and seeing the look of surprise on our faces when we opened up one of his signature “daft gifts.” He was a believer in routine and traditions, especially around Christmastime. He believed in following up every supper with pudding.
He and the love of his life, Cynthia, were inseparable, and after her passing, he was lucky to have a second love, Lynette, who will be part of the family forever.
Raymond taught us the importance of fun, of finding joy in simple pleasures, and that it really is all about the little things.
Raymond passed away surrounded by his family and loved ones and we would like to extend a special thanks to the nursing staff at 4D for their care and support.
A Celebration of Life will be held this Monday, June 20, from 4:00-6:30 p.m. at the home of Julie and Rod MacDonald (4160 East Bay Hwy.). All are invited to pay a visit and share memories of Raymond.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Raymond Parker 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Sydney, Province: Nova Scotia