Browse the obituary of residing in the province of Colombie britanique for funeral details
Well loved father, grandfather, and great grandfather, died peacefully and quietly at his home of 60 years surrounded by his family and his garden, to join his beloved wife who preceded him 3 years ago.
Tony was born and grew up in Cirencester, England, the only child of Florence and Raymond Parr. He had a secure and happy childhood, enjoying scouts and playing outside and doing well at school. He studied architecture, graduating from the Leicester School of Architecture in 1953. Also in 1953, at a Christmas party at the home of his parent’s friends, he met Meg Jones, visiting from Canada, beginning a love story that lasted for more than 67 years.
Tony and Meg settled in Harlow, north of London, where he worked as an urban planner helping design and build Harlow New Town, one of several new towns built after World War II to ease overcrowding in London. During this time, Tony also did his conscription time in the British Army, working in London and commuting from Harlow. Two daughters were born during these early years, in 1955 and 1957.
Tony, Meg, and their daughters moved to Canada in 1957, travelling by ship to Montreal and then by train across to Vancouver. Tony got a job as an architect with Eaton’s Canada in Vancouver, but soon realized that his greater interest and passion lay in urban planning and he accepted a job as Director of Planning in Saanich BC. During his 6 years in Victoria, Tony and Meg welcomed twin boys into their growing family and enjoyed living next to Meg’s mother.
After 6 years in Saanich, Tony moved his family to North Vancouver, where his fifth child was born, and began a long and illustrious career as Planning Director for the City of Burnaby. Tony built a Planning Department that was recognized by many in the planning field and civic government as pragmatic without sacrificing values or principles and was considered a model department with forward-thinking planning principles. Tony carried his philosophy of openness and thoughtful, coordinated planning to his role as Municipal Manager in Burnaby for the last 3 years of his career before retirement, where he was responsible for balancing the needs and priorities of five municipal departments.
Tony was dedicated, principled, and loyal. His work was important to him and he worked hard. He demonstrated these same characteristics with his family. None of his children ever doubted that they were loved and supported always. He was a gentleman through and through; bringing his wife a cup of tea in bed, maintaining bedside vigils when his children were ill, dressing in his button down shirts and ironed slacks always.
Tony enjoyed almost 30 years of retirement. During these years, his more playful nature emerged and his grandchildren remember him as loyal, loving and playful. He loved his home and garden and could often be found with a rake or hoe in hand, nurturing his special place. He also built a beautiful cabin on the waterfront on Denman Island and he and Meg spent many happy days there, often with visiting children and grandchildren.
With the help of wonderful care aides and daily visits from his 5 children, Tony was able to continue to live in his home throughout his declining years. As he lay dying, we were comforted by seeing him in the room overlooking his garden and below the picture wall of all his descendants. And what a legacy that wall represents. He is survived by his 5 children, Caroline, Gillian, Richard, Michael, and Andrew and their spouses, by his 17 grandchildren and by 11 great-children. We were blessed by the best of parents.
Rest in peace Dad, reunited with Mum.
April 4 1930 September 16 2024
Death notice for the town of: Vancouver, Province: Colombie britanique
death notice Antony Lea Parr April 4 1930 September 16 2024
obituaries notice Antony Lea Parr April 4 1930 September 16 2024
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Antony Lea Parr April 4 1930 September 16 2024 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
