Sidney Lawrence Parker

Sid Parker passed away on December 26th at the age of 86 after a short stay in hospital. He lived at Rutherford Heights Seniors Residence in Edmonton, and the family would like to thank the staff there for their amazing kindness to him, especially during these challenging pandemic times.

Sid, the youngest of 5 brothers, was born on the family homestead at Loon Lake SK. His family moved to Vancouver when he was in grade 2. He met Kathleen (Kay) Jones from Major SK who had also moved with her family to Vancouver. They married and had 2 daughters: Elisebeth and Judy.

In 1964, the family moved to Coronation where they were the proud owners of Parker’s Variety Store in Coronation, with a second store in Consort for a few years.

Sid loved his work at the store, talking to people and working to make the store in “beautiful downtown Coronation” the best place to shop anywhere. He was on Town Council for many years and filled in as Acting Mayor for a time. He was active in the Kinsmen Club and was part of the crew that built the rodeo grounds in the 1970’s. He was also a member of the Lion’s Club and the Chamber of Commerce. He really enjoyed working with people to create social activities (like bathtub races on main street) where the town could come together.

Sid and Kay sold the store in 1991 and retired in the Okanagan. Sadly, Kay passed away in 1992. People who remember Sid and Kay together will remember how close and loving they were, and he never fully got over her loss. However, he had many happy years in Kelowna and then Vernon. He was a very active volunteer for the Okanagan Symphony and that’s where he met Patricia Corbet who was his loving partner for many years. In 2016 he moved to Edmonton to be with his family: Elisebeth and David Checkel and grandsons Ryan Checkel and Patrick Checkel (Caitlyn Vliet); and Judy and Richard Laslo.

Because of the pandemic there will not be a public memorial service, but if you remember Sid (and Kay) please take a minute to think of them and maybe raise a glass in their memory.

Donations to the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra would be gratefully received.