John \'Parker\' Townsend
Born In: New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed in: SYDNEY, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed on: May 21st, 2009
John ‘Parker’ Townsend, 88, Sydney, passed away peacefully, Thursday, May 21, 2009, surrounded by his loving family and friends at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney.
Born in New Glasgow, he was the son of the late George and Lena (Thompson) Townsend.
He was a member of St. Andrew’s United Church, Sydney.
Parker was a veteran of the Second World War, having served overseas. Returning to Cape Breton in 1945, he worked in the foundry at the Sydney Steel Corp., until his retirement in 1984. Parker was District Deputy Grand Master and a 50-year jewel member of St. Andrew’s Lodge No. 7. He was also former regional commissioner of the Boy Scouts of Canada. He was a former member of the W.O. & Sgts. Mess Dart League, Memory Lane and Legionnaire Singers.
He loved and enjoyed his summers camping at Ben Eoin Beach and was an avid Screaming Eagles’ fan.
Parker is survived by his wife of 54 years, the former Jean Rowe; his children, Lynn (Gary) Bennett, Sydney, Allan (Julia), Peter (dearest friend Elaine), Halifax/Fort McMurray, Susan, Sydney; sister, Edie Hawco, North Sydney; brothers, Ross, Eastern Passage, Fred, Lunenburg. Parker is also survived by his pride and joy, his grandchildren, Jennifer (Mikel), Halifax, Graham, Oromocto, N.B., Chelsea, Sydney; and his great-granddaughter, Ayden Jean, Halifax. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by daughter, Catherine, England, sister, Marion Fortier and brother, Gerry, both of Ontario.
Visitation will take place at S.W. Chant & Son Funeral Home, 564 Alexandra St., Sydney, on Monday, May 25, 2009, from 7-9 p.m. Masonic service will be held at 6:45 p.m. A memorial service will take place Tuesday, May 26, 2009 at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Sheldon Chant officiating. Reception to follow in Chant’s Funeral Home.
