(Marcel) Ward Parker

With profound sadness, his family announces the passing of Ward Parker, suddenly but peacefully at home after a brief illness in his sixtieth year. Ward was a loving husband to Karen Reid – life partners for more than thirty years. He is sadly missed by his daughter, Madison Reid, stepson Darrin Jacques (Jamie), and his grandchildren, Ashton and Autumn.  He was a beloved brother-in-law to Lynn Reid Barbour (Bert) and Stuart Reid (David Sereda) and an caring uncle to Ashley Burgess (Delvin), Courtney Reid (Brittany-Lee Levesque) and Nicole Reid. He is mourned especially by his “ride or die” brother, Tony Parker, as well as many siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.  Ward was predeceased by his father-in-law, John Reid (2003), his “mom” Carol Brown (2022), and mother-in-law, Margaret Reid (2023).

Ward enjoyed travelling the roads, resulting in a career as a truck driver with Warren Gibson Trucking for over fifteen years. He loved people, having a chat and sharing a Bud Light with anyone that happened by.  Many summer evenings were enjoyed at the race track – Ward was an active member of a pit crew for many seasons. He loved tending a roaring campfire, a swim in his backyard pool, and most of all, spending time with his many “fur babies.”

Ward treasured his childhood years, being raised by his grandparents, Jennie and Talford Jefferson. That nurturing and caring environment instilled in him the capacity to be the world’s best “Gramps” to his own grandchildren.

Ward will be sadly missed as the family barbeque king and the turkey guy at the holidays. He loved to feed everyone and he was an amazing cook. Our family celebrations will never be the same without his joyous and fun-loving spirit. Look to the open sky where the eagle flies and Ward will be there.

The family will host a celebration of Ward’s life on Saturday, October 5 at 11 am, at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 53 Stanley Street, Blenheim. Bring your memories, stories, or songs and pay tribute to a life well lived.  The family invites you to help others by making a donation to a charity of your choice in honour of Ward.