THADDAUES (TED) PARKER

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THADDAUES (TED) PARKER We deeply mourn the passing of our dear Ted on Sunday, June 20, 2004. He was predeceased by his parents, Alexander and Magdelene Piasecki; sister Josephine (Josie) Korchak; and five year old daughter Patricia back in 1960. Left to honour his memory are his devoted wife and soulmate Helene; his brother John (Margaret) sister Stella Stephen; brother-in-law Bud Korchak; nieces and nephews, Mia Kinal, Tiana Korchak, Della Wheadon (Dale), Stacey-Jo Stephen, Ross Stephen (Cathy), Rodney Stephen, Terry Korchak (Jackie), Jon Piasecki (Linda) and friends. Accompanied by his mother and five year old brother, Ted emigrated from his birthplace, Poland, at the tender age of three to be re-united with his father in Canada. Ted attended Machray Elementary and received his high school diploma from St. Johns Tech. He always nurtured a dream of becoming an architect but unfortunately this was not to be. However, in his chosen profession as a painter and decorator, his skill and honesty were well appreciated by many up until the time of his well-earned retirement. Vocation aside, Teds heart was in his beloved artwork. His natural talent shone in his soft watercolour and pastels, sketches, oils and bold acrylics, beautiful works he so generously gave to family and friends. Ted was multi-talented, he could play the mandolin and violin with ease; his naturalistic landscaping was always a pleasure to behold; he was happy to oblige anyone in need of his prowess in carpentry. Teds cavalier manner and sometimes feisty attitude belied his true nature - the soul of a romantic. His passion for the great masters in the arts was constant. Listening to classical music and reading was Teds preferred choice of recreation. The intricate handwork and charm of old world structures appealed to Teds discriminating taste. He believed in the preservation of such national treasures. Heritage and culture counted with Ted. To escape the confines of the city Ted often sought the solitude and peace of the wilderness. Ted truly believed in nature unspoiled. He never forgot to feed his feathered friends, especially when the harsh realities of winter set in. City birds feasted as well. A man of social conscience, Ted championed many worthwhile causes. The basic rights, freedoms and political justice for all reigned supreme with Ted. He was an active participant towards achieving that end. Any violation of that trust was indeed a "Crime against Humanity." This was the Ted we knew and loved. He left his marks in life and we are grateful for it. Ted received redemption with the blessing of Jesus Christs Divine Love. This joyous experience enabled him to cope with his illness and find inner peace. We bid our Ted a final farewell. We dearly miss him but take some comfort in knowing that he suffers no more, his soul is with God. A family service was held at Brookside Cemetery on June 25, 2004 with Pastor Todd Petkau of Riverwood Church Community officiating and Teds brother John contributing with a reading from the Book of Revelations.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 28, 2004