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Gilbert Parker Obituary
Gil passed away on April 29, 2023 by MAID at age 86. He was predeceased by his wife, Lavona (Mitchel); survived by his partner, Joan Randall and sons Glen (Carol) and Ross (Ingrid). Gil was born in Alberta, the youngest of 4 siblings, graduated from U of Alberta, Civil Engineering, 1959 and from UVic BA in Slavonics, 1993.
Gil was many things.
An engineer, he worked for Dominion Bridge in Alberta and Willis Cunliffe and Tait in Victoria before working independently.
A mountaineer, he climbed peaks in India, Nepal, Russia, Georgia, USA and Canada. He was active in the Alpine Club of Canada and was awarded an Honorary membership in 2017.
A pioneer in solar energy, he started Ark Solar Products in 1976 and consulted in Canada, India, Dubai and UAE.
A Rotarian for 18 years, he led the first ever exchange of Rotarians to the USSR in 1988. He helped organize a Rotary Club in Kharovsk and pushed for the city to be one of Victoria's Sister Cities. He was an amateur diplomat, seeker of peace in a non-nuclear world, and a World Federalist. He was made an Honorary Citizen of Victoria for his work.
A long-distance trekker and completed most of the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada as well as many trails on our Island, the Rockies, Patagonia and Yorkshire Dales.
A visionary in 2009 that led to building the Vancouver Island Spine Trail, a hiking trail on Vancouver Island from Victoria to Cape Scott which is now the Vancouver Island Trail.
A keen curler at the Victoria Curling Club and in many local bonspiels.
A writer of many articles in local and national magazines and newspapers, wrote four books about mountaineering, poetry and Russia. He was a member of the Professional Writers Assn of Canada.
A gathering of friends and family will be held at Esquimalt Gorge Park Pavilion on June 29 at 11 am to celebrate his happy life. No flowers please.
Memories and Condolences
for Gilbert Parker
14 Entries
Doug Wylie
August 24, 2023
I submitted the photo of Gil on Warden Pk in 1977. We both worked at Willis Cunliffe Tait and Gil introduced me to climbing with the ACC. He was my mentor both at work and in the mountains. I am sorry to discover his passing.
I was finally scanning my old slides at the library and decided to try and make contact with old friends. I have a number of other pictures from the 1970's with Gil. If any of the family would like to see them please contact me at the email address I have given.
My condolences to the family on your loss of Gil.
Doug Wylie
August 24, 2023
Don Bacon, Class Secretary
July 31, 2023
On behalf of his fellow classmates of the 1959 graduating class in Civil Engineering from the University of Alberta I want to extend my sincere condolences to Joan and sons Glen and Ross on the passing of Gil Parker. Gil was a good guy.
Andrew Pape-Salmon
July 2, 2023
Andrew Pape-Salmon
July 2, 2023
Andrew Pape-Salmon
July 2, 2023
Andrew Pape-Salmon
July 2, 2023
Andrew Pape-Salmon
July 2, 2023
Andrew Pape-Salmon
July 2, 2023
Andrew Pape-Salmon
July 2, 2023
Andrew Pape-Salmon
July 2, 2023
Andrew Pape-Salmon
July 2, 2023
Gil Parker made a huge impact on my life by giving me a unique opportunity to support his vision of a continuous trail from Cape Scott to Victoria. We co-organized the 2010 Vancouver Island Spine Relay to raise awareness of the trail concept, which has since materialized. He was the support crew and I led groups of intrepid outdoor enthusiasts along seven segments via non-motorized modes of travel such as hiking, trail running, road biking, snowshoeing, mountain biking and horseback riding. Over four weeks we covered about 600kms. We also hosted five community days to raise awareness. The photos show the North Coast Trail (myself left, Gil second from left), Port Hardy and Campbell River community days, Forbidden Plateau (after snowshoeing from Mt. Washington), Cumberland day, Alberni Inlet camp, Lake Cowichan day and the TC Trail along the Cowichan River. Gil has wonderful leadership qualities that were a magnet for others to collaborate on big ideas. A fellow professional engineer, we shared a passion for mountains and nature, and for connecting communities with trails, something that I continue to this day thanks to Gil.
Nancy Carroll
May 21, 2023
Dear Ross and Glen,
I am so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing and send you my condolences. In reading about his life, I am so impressed with all that he did and accomplished. He was a special person. I first met Gil (and your Mom) at the Yoga Teacher's Course at the Ashram in 1977. Then I remember your whole family both from those Ashram days and from Fairfield. Your parents were always very kind and helpful to me. Blessings and Light to Gil on his next journey and to both of you.
All Best Wishes,
Nancy Carroll, Victoria.
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