Obituary of Joseph PARKES

November 27, 1937 – Sligo, Ireland    
September 18, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Joseph Parkes, known as Joe by all who knew and loved him, passed away in Calgary, AB, on Friday, September 18, 2020 at the age of 82 years.

Joe was born in Ireland and moved to England after WWII. Joe met the love of his life, Jean (nee Gilroy), and they were married on August 12, 1967. On September 24, 1968, Joe’s favourite son, Liam, was born and their family was complete. In 1972, the Parkes family moved to Grande Cache, AB, where Joe worked for McIntyre Mine, eventually becoming Smoky River Coal, as an underground coal miner, as he had been doing in England since the age of fifteen. Joe continued to work for Smoky River until retirement. Joe was always a lover of travel and his trips took him all over, mostly to warm places where he could lounge in the sun and Mexico was a true favourite. The love of growing a garden also kept Joe busy and the fruits of his labours fed friends and family (along with the grandchildren who loved picking the peas and carrots as a snack).

Joe also loved music, and in the 1970’s and ‘80’s was a DJ at many a Smoky River Coal functions due to his extensive record collection and equipment. When guests would come to their home and walk up the walkway, they would know that Joe was downstairs as the house was vibrating and Joe was keeping everybody entertained. Joe and Jean would go down to the basement every afternoon to listen to a few tunes, even at the age of eighty! Joe and Jean moved to Picture Butte in 2010 where he enjoyed getting to know his neighbours and going to the local bar for an afternoon beer. In 2018, Joe suffered multiple strokes which required hospitalization, and due to the severity of the damage to his brain, was unable to go back home. The difficult decision was made to place him in long term care. In June 2020, the family was finally able to bring him up to Calgary where he could be close to both Jean (who lives in a retirement home) and Liam. Unfortunately, due to COVID, his family was not able to see him as often as wanted. As anybody who knew Joe, the reaction to seeing Liam after about six months would not surprise them. He said, and I quote, “Where the f*ck have you been!”

Joe is survived by his loving wife of fifty-three years, Jean, along with the prodigal son, Liam (Dana), his mini-me grandson, Bailey, princess granddaughter, Maia, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Joe was predeceased by his oldest grandson, Tristan, his parents and his brothers and sisters.

Slainte Joe!

There will  not be a memorial or funeral at this time. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to any, Alzheimer, Dementia or Addiction and Mental Health Societies.

In living memory of Joseph Parkes, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.