Obituary of Art Parker

PARKER: Joseph Arthur "Art" -

A resident of Chatham, Art Parker passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus, at Village on the Thames, August 19, 2021 at the age of 93.

Born in Buffalo, New York, and raised in Kingston, Ontario, Art was the son of the late Joseph and Lillian (Gurman) Parker.

Beloved husband of 64  years to the late Patricia Marie (nee MacNaughton) (2018).

Loving and kind father of Lynn Parker-Larsen of Chatham (Ole Larsen 1998), Pastor Sam Parker and daughter-in-law, Barbara Ann of Sarnia, Pastor Mac Parker and wife, Lorraine of R.R. # 1 Clive, AB and Dan Parker and wife, Nancy of Chatham.

Proud Grandpa of Sheena Armstrong (David), Joshua Larsen (Nicole), Jordan Parker (Laurie), Rachel Kilbreath (Travis), Bethany Lounsbury (Ryan), Sarah Marshall (Trevor), David Parker, Philip Parker (Jenessa), Maria Schellenberger (Chris), Faith Griffin (Andrew), Season Hoogstad (Mike), Jasmine Labombard, Sherry Larsen ( Don Stokes), Eddy Larsen (Karen).

Great-Grandpa of Abigail, Abel, Brady, Dane, Ariel, Aurora, Elijah, Lila, Jocelyn, Kole, Seth, Nora, Brandt, William, Luciana, Alanna, Braden & Zachariah.

Predeceased by his brothers Lionel Parker (1936) and Ron Parker (1986).

Dear Brother-in-law to Jean Roth and her late husband Kenneth of Sylmar, California.

Missed by his nieces, Robin Roth and Pamela Roth. Predeceased by his nephew Ron Roth.

As a young man , Art was a salesman for Agnew Surplus Shoes in Kingston and transferred to Chatham  in 1950. Art subsequently became a Financial  Manager at Niagara Finance, (IAC Finance), from 1952 until 1970, managing offices in Toronto and Barrie, returning to Chatham in 1967. Art began working for Essex Welding Supply in 1971 until he retired in 1990.

Art was a kind, encouraging, witty and fun man. He was loved and enjoyed by his family and friends, and will be dearly missed.

Thank you  to Mr. Jim McArthur, Essex Welding Supply, for making sure your employees maintained medical coverage for their entire senior years, Carla Rodrigues for your care and love, Dr. Zeke Milkovic for your care for over 30 years and Village on the Thames staff and management.  

Special thanks to D.O.C., Colleen, for tirelessly advocating and caring for your residents.
Nurses IJ, Natalie and Sue, and Bayshore’s, Monica and PSWs, Danielle, Kathy, Gabby, Elizabeth, and Bayshores, Paige and Shannon. All of you are the reason our dad could stay in his familiar surroundings of ‘home‘ to the end.

Thank you also to Foot care Nurse, Amanda and hairdresser Catherine, for your care.

As Art was an avid golfer, his family will receive friends at the Links of Kent Golf Course, 120 Indian Creek Road West, Chatham on Friday, September 10, 2021 from 11:00am until the Funeral Service at 1:00pm. The Funeral will be live-streamed at the following link by CLICKING HERE. Private family interment to follow at Maple Leaf Cemetery, Chatham. 

Donations can be made to the Salvation Army at Art’s request.

Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com