Ronald James Parker

Ronald James Parker, 92, of Halifax, Nova Scotia, passed away peacefully, at home, on May 13, 2023. Ronald (Ron) was born in Niagara Falls, Ontario to Harry James Parker and Mabel (Parker) Helmkay, deceased. He grew up in Ontario, with siblings, Jack (deceased), Patricia, Kathleen, Larry, Sandra, and Ina. Ron is survived by his wife, Joan Frances (Hoganson) Parker of 63 years and children; Craig (Sheila), Darren (Hazel), Todd (Belinda), and Michele (Andrew). Grandchildren; Jennifer, Joshua (Kelly), Devyn, Maren (Jacob), Payton, Casey, Ana, and Charlotte. Great grandchildren; Jacob and Riley. Ron joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1954 and finished as a Chief Petty Officer First Class in the communication division. When he retired from the Navy, Ron went on to run a successful heating and ventilation company providing quality work and excellent customer service. Ron valued fitness, sports, and family most of all. His passion for sports and fitness began during a lengthy hospitalization with rheumatic fever as a child, after which, doctors suggested he avoid strenuous physical activity in general. With a spirit of determination, he carried throughout his life, he defied the odds by leading a very active lifestyle well into his 80’s. While in the Navy, Ron was a standout hockey and football player with the Stadacona Sailors and Shearwater Flyers. His character was evident when he once played quarterback with a cast on his right arm causing him to throw with his left. Ron also won a Naval Bicycle Race from Truro to Halifax by cycling from Halifax to Truro first and back to Halifax in a storm. He was the only competitor to finish the race. The Shearwater Flyers Football team were inducted into the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame for winning the 1957 National Championship. His many sporting accomplishments along with a kind and friendly disposition led to Ron being awarded the highly regarded Admiral Jones Shield in 1963 as the nations’ Most Sportsmanlike Athlete in the Navy. Ron was a wonderful dancer, honing his skills with his sister at teen dances and eventually catching the eye of a beautiful young, Joan Hoganson. He excelled at all sports and was well known to break into calisthenics at any moment. He instilled a passion for sports in all his children, coached many of their teams, and enjoyed watching all the family’s children play sports. He remained an active golfer at Brightwood Golf and Country Club until recently. He loved it when the family gathered, especially enjoying the little ones. Ron was most importantly, kind, loving and loved by many. Cremation has taken place and at Ron’s request there will be no funeral or visitation. A celebration of life for family and close friends will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please hug a loved one and think of Ron with a smile.

Ronald James Parker

September 25, 1930 - May 13, 2023