Raymond PARKER

PARKER, Raymond May 25, 1929 - July 15, 2013 Ray passed away peacefully at the Royal Jubilee Hospice, surrounded by his family. Born in Wolverhampton, England, Ray, a noted entertainer, performed his first show at the age of eleven as a puppeteer. He soon expanded his skills to include acting, clowning, mime, dance, singing, and stand-up comedy. At the age of eighteen, while in the British armed forces, he performed in East Africa, while serving as a Royal Engineer. During this time, he developed an impersonation act, which led to theatre, BBC television, and radio engagements. In 1965, Ray and his young family immigrated to Canada, where his career continued to flourish. Ray's acts included his children as a family of clowns, performing vaudevillian slapstick comedy. At the age of 50, Ray fell in love with magic, and thrilled his audiences with yet another dazzling talent. In 1989, he first debuted as a town crier. In the years since, he has appeared as town crier at numerous events, including greeting Queen Elizabeth the Second on her Jubilee Year visit to Victoria. As an official town crier for Nanaimo, and member of the Pacific Northwest Company of Town Criers, he competed in world championships, appeared in TV programs, and was one of the top rated town criers around the world. The plaque on the town crier statue at Ogden Point, Victoria, bears his name. In 2011 he was awarded the Farquhar Award for magician of the year, presented by the Victoria Magic Circle. Ray's most popular magical character, The Mad Hatter, brought joy to children and adults alike. He reached extensive audiences during his career, via TV, theatre and charity work. Ray is survived by his loving wife, Nora; sisters Rita and Joan in England; three children: Raymond, Joanne, and Adrian; seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; and extended family in Vancouver and England. A celebration of life for Ray Parker will be held at The Laurel Point Inn, Terrace Ballroom & Japanese Gardens at 1:00 pm, on Sunday September 22nd, 2013. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to, Victoria Hospice & Palliative Care Foundation, 4th Floor, Richmond Pavilion, 1952 Bay Street, Victoria, BC V8R 1J8. To make a donation or leave a condolence, please visit www.earthsoption.com.