Obituary for Darell Ezra PARKER
With deep sadness we announce the passing of Darell Ezra Parker in his 65th year. Loving husband of Jane for 43 years, cherished father to Heather (Chris) St. Clair and Jessica (Justin) VanderTuin. Beloved Grandpa to Alice and Leah. Loving son of Marjorie and the late Harold Parker, and son-in-law of Fay and the late Edward Gray. Will be missed by his siblings, Terry (Inger) Parker, Pam (Bill) Bancroft, Darlene (late Greg) Clemens, late Shawn (Sherry) Parker.
Darell was a devoted family man and a dedicated public servant in the Town of Ingersoll and Oxford County. He was a member of the Ingersoll Fire Service for 33 years, serving as Fire Chief for 23 years. During that time, Darell also served as Fire Chief of the Township of Norwich for 12 years and his career with the Town of Ingersoll culminated in the role of Chief Administrative Officer, before his retirement in 2013.
Darell embodied the motto “service above self” not only in the fire service but also in his community involvement. Darell volunteered with and served on many boards including; Ingersoll Rotary Club (two time President and member), Ingersoll Police Services Board (Chair and member), Children’s Aid Society of Oxford County (President and Board Member), Oxford County Fire Coordinator, Lambton College Fire Fighter Education and Training Program (Advisory Committee), Alexandra Hospital Foundation (Board Member), Ingersoll Kinsmen Club and Ingersoll Chamber of Commerce. In addition to these organizations, Darell was also actively involved with a number of local fundraising initiatives throughout the community.
Darell was a recipient of the Federal Exemplary Service Medal, the Ontario Long Service Medal, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow award (four times received).
Darell was never afraid to try new things and would never shy away from a challenge; be it push ups, arm wrestling or even leg wrestling. He loved spending time with friends at home and abroad. He was passionate about military history and politics. He enjoyed sitting around the table playing backgammon or cards or making entrepreneurial plans to start up the Lake Erie Fresh Water Lobster Company.
A private family service will be held at the Ingersoll Rural Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life to be held on September 1st from 4pm-8pm in the Carriage House at the Elm Hurst Inn.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donation to Sakura House or Alexandra Hospital Foundation.
Special thanks to Dr. Jill Matsuo and the caring staff at Sakura House for all their compassionate support.
Darell was a devoted family man and a dedicated public servant in the Town of Ingersoll and Oxford County. He was a member of the Ingersoll Fire Service for 33 years, serving as Fire Chief for 23 years. During that time, Darell also served as Fire Chief of the Township of Norwich for 12 years and his career with the Town of Ingersoll culminated in the role of Chief Administrative Officer, before his retirement in 2013.
Darell embodied the motto “service above self” not only in the fire service but also in his community involvement. Darell volunteered with and served on many boards including; Ingersoll Rotary Club (two time President and member), Ingersoll Police Services Board (Chair and member), Children’s Aid Society of Oxford County (President and Board Member), Oxford County Fire Coordinator, Lambton College Fire Fighter Education and Training Program (Advisory Committee), Alexandra Hospital Foundation (Board Member), Ingersoll Kinsmen Club and Ingersoll Chamber of Commerce. In addition to these organizations, Darell was also actively involved with a number of local fundraising initiatives throughout the community.
Darell was a recipient of the Federal Exemplary Service Medal, the Ontario Long Service Medal, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow award (four times received).
Darell was never afraid to try new things and would never shy away from a challenge; be it push ups, arm wrestling or even leg wrestling. He loved spending time with friends at home and abroad. He was passionate about military history and politics. He enjoyed sitting around the table playing backgammon or cards or making entrepreneurial plans to start up the Lake Erie Fresh Water Lobster Company.
A private family service will be held at the Ingersoll Rural Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life to be held on September 1st from 4pm-8pm in the Carriage House at the Elm Hurst Inn.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donation to Sakura House or Alexandra Hospital Foundation.
Special thanks to Dr. Jill Matsuo and the caring staff at Sakura House for all their compassionate support.