FRANK WEIR PARKER

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FRANK WEIR PARKER 1920 - 2011 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Frank Weir Parker, husband, father, grandfather, poppa and great-grandfather, on January 2, 2011. Frank was a strong and good man. He loved his family dearly and always put them first in a caring and gracious manner. Frank was born on September 4, 1920, a birthday he shared with his beloved wife Kathleen, who predeceased him on November 3, 2010. He was a devoted and loving father to Garry and Ken. Frank was born and grew up on Scotia Street in West Kildonan. Upon the completion of high school he worked with his father Harry who was a painting and decorating contractor. In June, 1940 Frank enlisted in the R.C.A.F. as aircrew and was awarded his pilot's wings in February, 1941. He served for two and a half years in Bomber Command with R.A.F. 149 and 156 Squadrons and R.C.A.F. 426 Squadron. Frank became a Squadron Leader and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) in 1943. On February 19, 1944 Frank married Kathleen Daley. They celebrated 66 years of marriage, a union based on a deep love and respect for each other. They moved to Ottawa for six months and then in 1944 Frank joined Trans-Canada Airlines (TCA), now Air Canada, as a pilot. He flew North American routes and retired in 1980 having accumulated over 29,000 flying hours. Upon joining TCA Frank and Kathleen settled on Winchester Street in St. James where they raised their two sons. In 1967 they moved to Westwood where they stayed until this past summer. In 1955 Frank built the cottage at Falcon Lake. He loved lake life, boat trips, fishing and in the winter cross-country skiing. Frank and Kathleen enjoyed travelling and took many wonderful trips together. He also cherished his grandchildren and loved to attend their various activities. Frank was a member of the Deer Lodge Curling Club for over 40 years and was a member and past president of the Antlers. He was a member of the Retired Airline Pilots of Canada, Royal Canadian Legion St. James Branch #4 and Wartime Pilots and Observers Association. His parents Harry and Maizie Parker and his beloved wife Kathleen predeceased Frank. He is survived by his sons Garry (Beverley) in Winnipeg and Ken (Maureen) in Calgary. His great joy were his grandchildren Darryl (Minako) and Keith of Winnipeg and Kerry (Paul) Smith and Michael (Susan Measor) of Calgary and great-grandchildren Kieran Parker of Winnipeg and Colton Parker and Nora Smith of Calgary. His sister Winnifred Ward and his brother Hal Parker and a number of nieces and nephews also survive Frank. The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to friends and family for their support as well as the staff of 3 South at the Grace Hospital. A celebration of Frank's life will be held at Westwood Presbyterian Church, Westwood Drive and Browning Boulevard on Saturday, January 8, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dreams Take Flight Winnipeg, 355 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2C3 or Canadian Wildlife Federation, 350 Michael Cowpland Drive, Kanata, Ontario K2M 2W1. Chapel Lawn 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 06, 2011