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WILLIAM PARKER FILLMORE
Date of Passing: Dec 27, 2020
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WILLIAM PARKER FILLMORE
Beloved son of the late Catherine Elizabeth (Fowler) and Charles William Fillmore. Parker is remembered by his wife Paula, daughter Jessie (Tanya) sisters, Charlotte (Bob) and Cathy (Rick), Paula's children, Sam (Justine), Nick and Sarah, and his dogs, Jax and Gemma.
Parker lived his entire life in St. James, graduating from the University of Winnipeg with a BA in 1971 and from the University of Manitoba Law School in 1974. Following in the footsteps of his grandfather and father (Fillmore, Riley and Fillmore), Parker had a successful law career at the same firm, now Fillmore Riley LLP. He was well known around the office for his humour and early morning punctuality, typically being the first person to appear in the office and get the coffee going, often arriving on his Harley. In addition to practicing Corporate and Commercial Law, Parker was generous with his time and expertise, serving for many years on the Boards of philanthropic organizations, such as the Winnipeg Industrial Skills Training Centre Inc., Main Street Project and TAMARACK Recovery Centre. Parker was always so generous with his time and legal expertise. Like his father Charlie, giving back to the community was very important to Parker and he worked to instil these values in new lawyers joining the firm. Even after retirement in 2012, he was always there to offer assistance to organizations he worked with or to family members opening a new business. On many occasions, he would gladly read over contract documents for his daughter Jessie and later his niece Charlotte (Adam).
Parker was deeply loved by his family, including many nieces and nephews and their families: Susan (Michael), John (Bonni), Rob (Kathryn), Charlotte (Adam) and Charlie (Annika). He added a playful and fun layer to every family gathering, whether through elaborate costumes or pranking his sisters. Parker had an engaging, witty, and entertaining personality that drew people to him. He had many dear and close friends from his professional and community service work as well as from his interests and eclectic pursuits. Highlights include duck hunting, Harley road trips, African safaris and winters in Palm Springs. More recently, Parker developed a keen interest in golf, which he delighted in sharing with his daughter. Parker also had a strong mechanical aptitude and could spend hours tinkering away in the garage. He was renowned for his collections of motorcycles, antique vehicles, military ephemera, and historical costumes. Parker had a lifetime love of animals, from Timmy the black cat from his childhood to his boisterous bloodhounds, Beauregard and Cooper, to rowdy Ranger the black lab to his beloved dogs, Jax and Gemma who were his constant companions in later years.
Parker suffered from depression and sought guidance, finding a great deal of support from the meetings, programs and people surrounding Alcoholics Anonymous, Finding Freedom and RE:ACT. Within these programs he found comfort and met many people who became his friends. The family would like to thank everyone who helped him along his way.
Parker was a genuine character who was loved by so many people, and our lives won't be the same without him. We carry our memories of silliness, love, and laughter to help soften our grief.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Donations in Parker's name may be made to TAMARACK Recovery Centre.
INTEGRITY
Cremation & Funeral Planning
204-295-5408 IntegrityFuneralPlanning.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 02, 2021
Condolences & Memories (26 entries)
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So shocked to hear of Parker’s sudden passing...still thinking about him a lot and so regretting not reconnecting. Our families were very close in the early years when our children were small. We stayed in touch for a long time and my memories are so lovely. Life’s journeys take us all down different paths for sure, but I do so wish that my path had crossed up with his. I remember his giggle and his wonderful sense of fun. I wish we hadn’t lost touch. I now see him in my dreams. With my deepest sympathy to his lovely daughter Jessie. Most sincerely, Barbara Ade - Posted by: Barbara Ade (Friend ) on: Feb 16, 2021
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May I please offer my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Parker Fillmore. I was a classmate of Parker's and we shared adjacent study booths in the far end of the library at Robson Hall for most of the three year law program at the University of Manitoba. We would greet each day early and I was always impressed with his cordiality and great sense of humour. He was a super student and did well at law school and was very helpful to me along the way. I was always impressed with his imitations of various people especially Bela Lugosi and whenever I see Mr. Lugosi in a movie I think of Parker's imitations. We also were merciless with other students and got together to convince some of them that the exam next day was something other than it was, often sending them into a tailspin. I left Winnipeg for the far north and beyond after graduation so I never saw Parker again. But his memory lives on in my memories. Thankyou Parker for being a friend and again my sincere condolences to all. - Posted by: Clark Dalton (Classmate Class of 1974) on: Jan 22, 2021
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My condolences to Parker’s family. I was the Provincial Government Project Office working with the Industrial Training Centre for many years. Parker always offered his unique insite and support to ensuring the project ran efficiently and consequently helped people find rewarding careers. He was a real pleasure to work with. - Posted by: Cathy Sheppard (Business friend ) on: Jan 19, 2021
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I had the privilege of working with Parker for over 20 years while I worked at the Training Centre where Parker was a founding, and the longest serving, member of the Board. In addition to providing thoughtful guidance to the practical operation of the Centre, Parker was extremely generous with his assistance with any and all legal matters. Our shared interest in tinkering around the shop always provided a common focal point. His motorcycle ‘road trip’ visits to Baldur will be missed. My sincere condolences to Paula and the family. - Posted by: John Joycey (Friend) on: Jan 07, 2021
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Cathy and Rick, I am so sorry to hear of Parker's passing; he certainly had the human touch. He will live on in the hearts and memories of many. Joanne Brock - Posted by: Joanne Brock (Family ) on: Jan 07, 2021
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My condolences to Parkers family. I first met Parker at the marsh during the duck hunting season. He was suitably dressed in hunting camo, but he also brought costumes like knee high Mounty boots, WW 11 helmets complete with a cigarette package, cigars and cowboy slickers. He was entertaining and a joy to be with at Opening Day weekend at the marsh. There was great food, stories, skeet shoots, friends, and neighbors who enjoyed Parkers presence. My last vision of Parker was at the marsh, he warmed up the Harley, complete with sidecar, auto volume radio, shotgun, gear and made a memorable exit with a big smile. We need more Parkers. I will miss him. - Posted by: Patrick Lennox (friend) on: Jan 05, 2021
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Shocked to hear this sad news. My condolences to Parker's family and friends. Chuck Lund - Posted by: Chuck Lund (Acqaintance) on: Jan 04, 2021
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Our deepest condolences Paula and Family. Parker was a friend who shared the love of motorcycles and took ownership of my first Indian motorcycle. It was always good to connect with Parker when we were in Winnipeg visiting. Our thoughts are with you. John & Colleen - Posted by: John & Colleen Guntner (Friend) on: Jan 04, 2021
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I am very sorry to hear of Parker’s passing. I knew Parker through the Winnipeg Revolver and Pistol Cowboy Action shooting club. I remember Parker; he was very warm and kind to me. He liked to joke. He had a positive attitude and enjoyed shooting for fun. I enjoyed shooting with him and seeing him in his Yankee get up. His presence will be missed in future matches. My thoughts are with his family and our Cowboy family. - Posted by: Adrienne “Belle Star” Zajac (Cowboy Action Shoot Club) on: Jan 03, 2021
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Our deepest condolences to Paula and family. Parker always lit up the room. He had such an incredible spirit and wit. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. - Posted by: Patty Medd , Brian Hay (Friends) on: Jan 03, 2021
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We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you. Dana, Carla and families - Posted by: Carla and Dana Lewis and our families (in-laws) on: Jan 03, 2021
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Parker was part of our extended family. He was kind and funny. We have many wonderful memories of him. He is greatly missed. ❤️ - Posted by: Donna and Doug Erdman (Friends ) on: Jan 03, 2021
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I had spent a huge amount time with he and Glenda as a much younger person and always considered him more than a brother-in-law. He was smart and witty, loved his family and pets and his antics provided wonderfully entertaining stories. I am so very sorry for the Fillmores and extended family for the loss of this dear soul. May he rest in peace. - Posted by: Heather Hedley (Sister-in-law (ex)) on: Jan 03, 2021
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I served with Parker as a board member for the Winnipeg Industrial Skills Training Centre. Parker was always engaging, witty and sincere. I would always look forward to hearing about his interesting (and off beat) projects. My condolences. - Posted by: Jon Kell (Acquaintance) on: Jan 02, 2021
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As a fellow member on the board of the Winnipeg Industrial Skills Training Centre I have known Parker more than 30 years. We shared an interest in motorcycles and the business relationship became a friendship. Parker was one of the most decent and level people I have ever known. He will be deeply missed by us all. - Posted by: Gary Cockshott (Friend) on: Jan 02, 2021
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I would like to extend my most heartfelt condolences to Paula and family. Parker and I were in the same high school class and the same law school class so my memories of him go back a very long time. He was always very popular with his classmates and with everyone who dealt with him. He was an easy guy to like. His sense of humour was a delight. As a practicing lawyer he was knowledgeable, practical and reasonable. He knew how to solve problems. I know he will be missed by so many. - Posted by: Doug Finkbeiner (friend) on: Jan 02, 2021
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I'm sorry to hear of his passing. I knew Parker from working at Fillmore. - Posted by: Doris Jones (Coworker) on: Jan 02, 2021
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I am extending my deepest condolences to Paula, and family, including Parker's beloved pups. I got to know Paula and Parker through the recent renovation of their home. Parker was always kind, welcoming, and witty. It was always a pleasure to work with him. He shared his passion for antiques, objects of history, his dogs, his children, and of course his dear Paula. I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. Although our time working together was short, he will be missed and remembered dearly. - Posted by: Andrea Sosa Fontaine (Interior Designer) on: Jan 02, 2021
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Parker was a good friend for over 40 years and he did all my commercial transactions for me. We shared info on the military vehicals we have. He was the most calm, caring person i know / he helped me overcome difficulties in many ways. I can't say enough that I liked about him, many others will. He will be greatly missed by everyone. Rick Shaw - Posted by: rick shaw (long time friend) on: Jan 02, 2021
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My deepest condolences to you Paula. You are in my thoughts and prayers. - Posted by: Carol Hildebrand (Acquaintance) on: Jan 02, 2021
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I was extremely saddened to hear about Parker’s passing. I had recently spent the last year working with him & Paula and will never forget how much he touched my heart & broadened my scope of understanding. Parker was bright, witty, intense, caring & always danced to his own tune. I was intrigued by his differences & he challenged my ability to understand those differences. I feel blessed to have been able to spend time with him & his devoted partner Paula. I learnt through Parker, that we all deserve love, compassion & understanding despite our differences. I hope anyone who knew Parker will carry that torch. My heart goes out to Paula and their families. G-d bless❤️ - Posted by: Naomi Sommer (Work associate - designer) on: Jan 02, 2021
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Parker was a wonderful partner and friend. His sense of humour, appreciation for the absurd, and propensity to speak the unvarnished truth combined to make him one of a kind. Most important, he was generous in spirit and a kind man. He will be deeply missed. David Kroft - Posted by: David Kroft (Former law partner) on: Jan 02, 2021
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"Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in the Heavens Where the light from our lost loved ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy" ~ from an Inuit legend Our sincere sympathy to all who knew and loved Parker May he RIP - Posted by: Allan & Penny Kiesler (Friends of the Family) on: Jan 02, 2021
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My deepest condolences.....I lived just down the street from Parker growing up but it was the many years in the Antique Motorcycle Club of Manitoba that I got to know him....Many fun times on old motorcycles...Parker was an Honorary Life member of the AMCM for all his service over the years. He will be missed by all who knew him, Ross and Kris - Posted by: Ross Metcalfe (Friend) on: Jan 02, 2021
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I have many fond memories of Parker over the years but my favorite is probably his hilarious and self deprecating speech at Jessie and Tanya’s wedding. My sincere condolences to the Fillmores who have lost a unique and memorable father, brother and uncle. He will be missed. - Posted by: Cheryl Cott (Cousin in law) on: Jan 02, 2021
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I extend my sincere condolences to Paula and family. I enjoyed my many conversations and some great laughs with my friend Parker. He enriched my life journey with his particular sense of humour and intellect. Sorely missed. Forever remembered. - Posted by: Brian Taylor (friend) on: Jan 02, 2021
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