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THOMAS H. PARKER

THOMAS H. PARKER

March 28, 1928 - October 30, 2017

Born March 28, 1928 in Middlesbrough, England, Tom passed away peacefully October 30 in Sechelt at Totem Lodge. Tom leaves his loving wife of 66 years, Valerie and children Stephen (Dorothy), Helen (John), Andrew, Anne (Arthur), grandchildren Alec, Ben, Matthew (Anne), Andrew (Susan), Aaron, Samantha and great-grandchild Sophie. Predeceased by his parents Charles and Evelyn and brothers Derek and John. He is also survived by sister Hazel Serginson and many nieces and nephews in England.
From a very young child, Tom was an adventurer. There was nothing he couldn't accomplish once he set out including marriage to Valerie in 1951. Valerie was number one in Tom's life - wife, partner in adventures and the woman he deeply loved and supported. His children and grandchildren were important to Tom. He was always ready with words of wisdom and advice or a story from a childhood and youth far removed from the life he provided for his family.
Tom loved the sea. He joined the British Merchant Navy way too young. He told many hair-raising as well as poignant stories of his experiences in the Arctic Convoys to Murmansk and Arkhangelsk during WWII. In 2013, Russia honoured Tom with the Medal of Ushakov in a ceremony in Vancouver. For several years after the war, he travelled the world as a seaman from the Middle East to Canada's West Coast where he confirmed his boyhood dream to emigrate.
Tom and Valerie came to Canada with Stephen in 1953. With his wife and growing family, Tom moved around the province pursuing a career as a Steam Engineer. He began as a utility man, studying and working his way through to first class Steam Engineer and the position of Chief Superintendent of Steam and Recovery. In 1987, Tom and Valerie headed off to Malaysia where Tom helped with the start up of the steam and recovery department in a new pulp mill in Sabah.
Tom and Valerie were either renovating or building during their years together. They built three homes on the Sunshine Coast, and Tom fulfilled his continuing love for the sea by building and proudly launching a 39 foot sailboat in 1985.
The family extends it's heartfelt thanks to the wonderful caregivers at Totem Lodge where Tom spent his last two years. We are so appreciative of the care the staff and volunteers gave Tom and for their emotional support to Valerie. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Sunshine Coast Health Care Auxiliary and Gibsons Legion are greatly appreciated. Celebration of Life to be announced.

 

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