I am sad to learn of the passing of Douglas Parnham. I am an alumnus of the Calgary Boys' Choir, having served in the early 1980s. Doug was a great musician, and also, somewhat of a disciplinarian. And, I did not always prefer his choices of music. It felt a bit like being in the military. However, Doug always emphasized that schoolwork came before music practice. My most enjoyable experience with the C.B.C. was our performance of Berlioz's Te Deum. A great musician and educator, he will be missed.

Dear Moira and Family,

We were very sorry to learn of the passing of your father. He touched the lives of so many people, including ours, in such a positive and inspirational way, and we feel very blessed to have known him. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Susan and Bill Woodward

My husband and I decided, early on in our marriage, that if we had a son we would enroll him in a boys’ choir. However, it wasn’t until our first son was in grade three and his teacher recommended that we enroll him in a boys’ choir, that we took action. This began a long relationship in the boys choir world with excellent training and self development for all three of our sons. Mr. Parnham had a vision and this vision touched the lives of many Calgarians. I attribute their confidence, deportment and success in a great part to the Boys’ Choir training and environment. We had the distinct privilege of meeting many life long friends in the pursuit of supporting our sons and the Choir. Bingos, camps, tours, fundraising, rehearsals and did I mention performances were a well oiled machine in preparing hundreds of boys to conduct themselves confidently in the world. All because of a man’s vision. A big thank you from the Berko boys and parents.

Dear Moira, Shelagh, Doug and Drew and your families,

So many wonderful memories during the 56 years of music and friendship with your Dad and your family. Working with him in the choir music program at Pleasant Heights United Church, helping him organize the Calgary Boys’ choir and being their first accompanist for three years, working with him to establish and lead the Naramata Summer School of Music Arts for many years, and both of us on the Board of Directors for the Choristers’ Guild in the United states for several years working with many of the clinicians we brought to the Naramata program.

Wonderful memories of many dinners and social occasion at your family home. Both your Dad and Mom were courageous, talented people who dared to embark on new career paths and follow their dreams with great success as Jacquie has said while raising and supporting all of you. I feel so privileged to have had a long visit with him at Agape in January where we reminisced about our lives together in music and friendship. I know the lifetime of memories will comfort all of you as you grieve and mourn this loss. He was an inspiration to all of us from many perspectives and he said he was looking forward to being with your Mom. Love never dies as we keep our loved ones in our hearts and cherish their memory.

Dear Doug, Drew, and family,

I am very sorry to hear of your father’s passing.

As a former member of the Calgary Boy’s Choir, I knew your father even before I met you! I remember him as being very kind, with tremendous passion for music.

Doug was one of the first musicians to welcome me to Calgary in 1976 when I moved from Montreal to take over the music program at Knox United Church. He and I enjoyed a professional as well as very pleasant relationship for many years. His Boys Choir contributed excellent choral music to the Knox Christmas Carol Service each year, and it was my pleasure to arrange a song that he requested for the boys. Doug was an excellent musician and his contributions to the Calgary Arts scene were considerable. Rest in peace, my friend.

Shelagh, I’m sorry to hear of your father’s “change of address”. While I did not know him, you are a sweet reflection of him and how he lived his life. Time is precious I’m thankful you had that moment with him.

Your dad, grandfather, great grandfather was a wonderful man with a big heart and smile to match. I am so glad to have had the opportunity to meet him. He is with his darling Elizabeth and the angels smiling down on all of you!

Love and Sympathies

Carol Fines

I am sorry to hear of your loss. You have such a wonderful family a tribute to the wonderful parents your Mom and Dad were! Thinking of you!

Love, Michila

Drew and Doug and Family. Very sorry to hear of your loss of your Dad. Sending you my thoughts and prayers at this sad time.

love and hugs

Karen

While my heart is filled with sorrow for you, my mind is filled with wonderful memories.

Douglas and Elizabeth were caring friends to my parents, me and my family. We greatly admired them for dreaming their dreams and making them a reality.

Hold tight to your memories of a loving father, grandfather and great grandfather, truly a remarkable man.

With love,

– Jacqueline Donoghue

So very sorry to hear the passing of your Father. My condolences to you Drew and your family.