Dr. James Edward Parker
On January 7th, 2017, Dr. James Edward Parker passed away peacefully at the Abbotsford General Hospital. He is survived by Ruth, his loving wife of sixty years, their six children, Brian, Seamus, Sheilagh, Niall, Patricia and Desmond, their respective spouses, sixteen grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, his sisters Frieda and her family in Australia and Jean and her family in Ireland. Jim met Ruth when they were both studying at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. As a young pediatrician, Jim and Ruth immigrated to Canada in 1954, when Jim started practicing in Newfoundland and gradually worked his way west. Throughout his impressive medical career, Jim practiced at the Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto, at the Lions Gate Hospital in North Vancouver, and finally moved his large young family to Abbotsford in 1975. Jim became the first pediatrician to practice in the city and headed up the newly developed pediatric department at the Abbotsford General Hospital. Throughout his many years of practice Jim helped thousands of children, and saved many lives. He was heavily involved in Leukemia research and very active in the medical community. He is fondly remembered by all who knew him during his many years of practice at the hospital. Jim retired in 1991 and turned his focus towards his ever-growing number of grandchildren. Jim, who we knew and loved as “Poppy”, enjoyed sitting at the piano and tinkling on the keys with his many grandchildren and playing and interacting with them. His children and grandchildren loved visiting and chatting with Poppy on the garden swing at the farm, either enjoying an ice cream cone or a Guinness together. Jim enjoyed his walks with Ruth and their devoted dog, Duvey, and travelling back to their homeland of Ireland together, whenever they had the chance. As a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Jim (Poppy) will be greatly missed and leaves us with many, many fond memories. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff on the ACE unit for all of their care and compassion throughout Jim's stay at the hospital. The Funeral Service will be conducted by Rev. Dr. Hans Kouwenberg Friday January 13th at 1:00 P.M. at Calvin Presbyterian Church 33911 Hazelwood Ave., Abbotsford. In lieu of flowers the family asks that a donation be made to a charity of one’s choice. Online condolences to the family may be made to: www.wiebeandjeskefh.com
Wiebe & Jeske ~ 604.859.5885