ROBERT LORNE (BOB) PARKER

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ROBERT LORNE (BOB) PARKER Peacefully, surrounded by the love of his children, on November 17, 2011, Bob passed away at the South East Personal Care Home at the age of 76. He fought so hard until the end, and now he is with Erma again. He is survived by his daughter Kelly Kluger (Harold), grandchildren Andrew and Daniel; son Chris, (Maria), grandchildren David, Michelle, and Gregory; and numerous nieces, nephews and in-laws. Bob was predeceased by his parents Lorne and Florence (Stein) Parker, his beloved wife Erma in 1983, and his sister Jean Stephen. Dad was born in Winnipeg on March 5, 1935. He grew up on Walker Avenue, and lived most of his life within a few miles of his childhood home. He attended Lord Roberts and Gordon Bell schools before leaving school early to provide for his mother and support his ailing father. In 1957, Dad married the love of his life Erma. Mom and Dad raised their family in Fort Rouge. Bob was very involved at Crescent Fort Rouge Church for many years. He worked for the CNR as a switchman, the Hudson Bay Company as a delivery driver and later supervisor, and finally as courier for Alpine Express. During the 1970s, Dad completed night school classes to graduate from high school. He carried on from there to take courses at the University of Manitoba, Institute of Management. Dad became involved in soccer when his son was playing at Earl Grey Community Club. It would become a passion for the rest of his life and would lead to many close friendships. Bob was a founding member of the Fort Rouge Soccer Club in 1971. He served for many years as President of the club, going on to join the board of the Manitoba Soccer Association, serving as Director of Senior Soccer. He took his job as Disciplinarian for the MSA very seriously. Soccer also took Dad on many great adventures, including the annual Labor Day trips to Thunder Bay during the 1970s, two trips to Curacao, and getting Screeched In during a trip to the national championships in Newfoundland. Dad always enjoyed people and made friends easily. Friends from work, soccer, or the neighbourhood were an important part of his life. Many enjoyable evenings were spent visiting friends at their homes, meeting the gang at the Fort Rouge Legion, or going for coffee and a burger at the local golden arches. He spent his last days living within the past, reminiscing about delivering on his scooter for the local drug store and running from the beat cop' after taking part in some prank with his school mates. He also especially loved his dogs. He maintained his dry wit and sarcastic sense of humour and the staff at the PCH got to see tidbits of the man we all loved. Dad's greatest joy was his family. He spent endless enjoyable afternoons at soccer fields, hockey rinks, basketball gyms, music concerts and dance recitals watching his children and later his grandchildren. He was so very proud of them and he loved each and every one unconditionally. In his later years, dementia robbed us all of our Dad and Grandfather. Like the rest of the challenges he faced during his life, he didn't give up, and he fought a long, hard battle. Thanks to all of the people who helped Dad to cope with this last challenge; Home Care, Meals on Wheels, the staff at South East Personal Care Home, and especially his daughter Kelly. A special thanks to Frank Hemming, who was a good friend and brother-in-law to Dad until the very end; and to his longtime friend Frank Bain, who spent many hours with Dad solving the world's problems together over a coffee or a rum and coke. Dad was a kind and generous man who gave more than he took. We will all miss him dearly. Don't take any wooden nickels, Dad. Funeral service will be held at Thomson In the Park Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd., on Saturday, November 26, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Dad's name to The Winnipeg Humane Society, The Alzheimer's Society or to the Archie Nunn Memorial Scholarship, c/o the Manitoba Soccer Association. THOMSON IN THE PARK 925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 19, 2011