Harry Gene Parker

November 9, 1937 – February 16, 2024

It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of Harry Parker Junior. Kind-hearted, fun-loving, and generous to a fault, the “World’s Biggest Leaf Fan” leaves behind a memory of a truly great and most gentle Owen Sounder.

Survived by his wife of 61 years Ruth (née Clark), sons Tom (Alex Pangman) of Toronto and Dan (Heather Mahony) of Victoria, BC, and grandsons Ewan and Ben. Also, sister Patricia (Bob Clark), brother-in-law Murray Clark, and a great many nieces and nephews.  Predeceased in 2022 by brothers Paul and Kenneth.

Harry found great meaning and sustenance in the company of family and friends. He enjoyed a good party, a country two-step, and the “odd” rum and Coke. He took great pride in the accomplishments of his fiddling father and his country-singing and bluegrass-picking sons. If you’ve ever driven a Grey County road you can thank Harry, as he worked for 27 years in their road construction department.

While spending the majority of his life in Owen Sound, Sauble Beach held a very special place in his heart. Harry spent over 60 of his summers there at various family cottages. He and Ruth owned and operated the Putterama Mini Golf from 1965 to 2005, and when he couldn’t be found entertaining guests behind the cottage he could be sighted on the fairways and greens of various local golf courses with his wife, brothers, or lifelong buddies.

It’s incredibly hard to say goodbye to a man who embraced life with such sweetness of spirit. We will miss his sense of play, his constant love and his endless support.

Special thanks to the wonderful and caring staff at Lee Manor who helped Harry through his final days. They clearly saw that though dementia might have robbed him of his cognition, it never diminished his very special joie de vivre.

A memorial service in Harry’s honour will be announced at a later date.

Contributions to the Alzheimer Society of Grey-Bruce would be greatly appreciated.  Arrangements entrusted to Grey Bruce Cremation and Burial Services, www.greybrucecremation.com.