PARKES; John Martin
August 17, 1919 ~ July 11, 2015
Our Dear Dad passed away in the early morning of July 11, 2015 at the age of 95. He passed following a brief illness in Salmon Arm, BC with his family by his side. Predeceased April 29, 2014 by Mary, his wife of 65 years. Survived by sons Garry (Becky) of Winnipeg, Ron (Judy) of Mission, daughter Bonnie (Roy Peterson) of Salmon Arm, grandsons Brian (Erin), Greg (Sarah), Brad (Emily), Andrew, Bryn, Kean, 7 great-grandchildren and sister-in-law Bea. John was born in England. He was the last surviving member of his family. The family immigrated to Canada when he was 9. They lived in Ontario 5 years before moving to Mission in 1935. Along with his brother Jim they took over their uncle's dairy farm in Silverdale, they farmed until it was sold in 1972. John met Mary at a dance at the Matsqui Hall. She had come from Alberta to pick strawberries. They were married August 1948. John and Mary retired to their new home across the highway on their hillside property on Silverdale Ave. He took pride in; the wine he made from fruit they grew, the vegetable and flower gardens, and the many rock retaining walls he built. Passing cars would stop to admire the beautiful landscape he had created. John was elected as a Councilor for the District of Mission from 1972-1982. John and Mary traveled extensively during retirement. In 2006 they decided to move to Salmon Arm when it became too difficult to maintain his large lawn and gardens. John and Mary enjoyed 5 good years at Lakeside Manor. With their health failing in 2011 they moved to a care facility. A memorial service for John and Mary will take place September 12, 2015 at 1:00 pm at Silverdale Community Centre. The family prefers a donation to Silverdale Hall instead of flowers. Arrangements entrusted to: Fischer's Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd., Salmon Arm 250-833-1129. Email condolences and share memories through John's obituary at: www.fischersfuneralservices.com