Obituary of Claude Raymond Parker

Claude R. Parker of Riverview and formerly of Moncton, passed away on Saturday, May 12, 2018 with his family by his side. Born Jan. 27, 1925 on the Parker family farm on the Miramichi River in Whitneyville N.B. he was the youngest son of William and Olive (Mutch) Parker; brothers, Wendell and Carl; Sister, Edith. Claude grew up farming and working in the lumber woods where he developed his love of animals - particularly horses, he developed an appreciation for hard work and the ability to solve problems. As a teenager during the 2nd World War he enlisted in the Air Force but later transferred to the Army so he could undergo training to serve as a Paratrooper. The war ended before he was sent overseas. After the war he attended technical school and studied carpentry – a skill that he used throughout his working and private life. Employed by CNR for many years at the Moncton shops. He was proud of his work with the railroad and always spoke fondly of many lifelong friends that he made while working there. A long time member of Humphrey Memorial Church and a member of the choir until their closure, he then became a member of St. Paul’s United Church in Riverview. Claude married the love of his life, Harriet MacKay, in 1948 and together they raised their family in Sunny Brae. Three sons and one daughter -David, Darrel, Donald and Deborah – often referred to as the Four DPs. In addition to their sons and daughter their family includes daughters-in-law Barbara (O’Hara) Parker (David), Diane (Gauvin) Parker (Darrel), Ginette (Theriault) Parker (Donald) and son-in-law Peter Allison (Deborah); grandchildren – Shana (Steven), Andrew (Jennifer), Erin, Kevin (Michelle) , Angela, Chelsea (Scott) and Brady (Felicia); great grandchildren – Owen, Jackson, Dylan, Parker, Julia, Emma, Audrey, William, Nicholas and Ronin. Claude was devoted to his family and his friends. His friends were friends for life. In retirement Claude and Harriet enjoyed square dancing and round dancing with their friends in Charlie’s Angels and Hoban’s Heroes. Their cottage at Caissie Cape had to have one room large enough for four squares of square dancers. This was also a great place for him to entertain his captive audience by singing some of his favorite songs including lots of yodeling like his personal favorite –Wilf Carter. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his siblings and by his wife, Harriet, daughter-in-law, Mary and great grandson, Cai. Thanks to staff at Monarch Hall. They treated Dad with kindness, care and respect. In lieu of flowers donations to Heart and Stroke Fund or Friends of the Moncton Hospital. Arrangements have been entrusted to Tuttle Brothers & Riverview Funeral Home 214 Pine Glen Rd. Riverview, NB (506) 857-9544, where visitation will be held on Thursday, May 17th 2018 from 7-9pm. A memorial service will be held at Tuttle Brothers & Riverview Funeral Home memorial chapel on Friday, May 18th 2018 at 11:00am with Rev: Steve Berube officiating. Online condolences may be made at www.tuttlefuneralhome.ca Visitation Information Thursday, May 17th 2018 7-9pm Tuttle Brothers & RIverview Funeral Home, 214 Pine Glen Rd, Riverview, NB. Service Information Friday, May 18, 2018 11:00AM Tuttle Brothers & Riverview Funeral Home Memorial Chapel, 214 Pine Glen Rd. Riverview, NB Burial Information Elmwood Cemetery Requested Charity Heart & Stroke Foundation or to the Friends of The Moncton Hospital Foundation