Gary PARKS

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PARKS: With great sorrow we announce that Gary John Parks, born on August 7, 1945, has passed away at BRHC on September 7th, 2009. Gary was raised at Alexander and attended Alexander and Vincent Massey High School. He began working for Manitoba Hydro in 1962. In 1967 at Clear Lake, he met Norma (Lambkin) and they were married in Belmont on August 2, 1969. Two daughters were born while in Winnipeg followed by a move to Thompson in 1973 where Gary worked with Churchill River Diversion. In 1975, he left hydro and returned to farm at Alexander. In 1980, he obtained his Real Estate license and began to work with Jacobson Land Realty in Souris. He continued real estate in Brandon area until 1990 when he became the Regional Director with Realty World Canada for Western Canada, Washington and Oregon. At that time, the family moved to Vancouver until 2004 when Gary retired and returned to Alexander. Upon returning home, Gary worked with his brother Gene at Pipestone Livestock Market and was influential in helping establish the Whitehead Fire Department in 2005. Gary loved life and lived it to the fullest. He played many sports as a young man and was an avid amateur pilot. He was predeceased by his daughter Jaci in 2000, his mother Jean in 2005 and his father Jack in 2006. He is survived by his wife Norma, daughter Kristi (Stan) Cherak, grandchildren Taylor Parks and Ethan Cherak. Brother Gene (Gayle) Parks and nephews Rhett (Chrissy Montsian) and Chad. He is also sadly missed by Uncle Fred (Evelyn) Parks, Aunt Madge Gamley and numerous cousins, family and friends. A Memorial Service was held at the Victoria Inn on Friday, September 11, 2009 with Rev. Dave Maynard officiating. A private family graveside ceremony took place at the Alexander Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Gary may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 415-1st Street, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 2W8. Messages of condolence may be placed at www.brockiedonovan.com.

As published in Brandon Sun on Sep 12, 2009