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Ben
August 19, 2024
In Calgary we always admired Jackie Parker but feared what he would do to us next. Each game he played against us seemed to end with JP stealing a last minute victory, bringing anguish to the fans with his awesome array of skills.
Brennen Kluczny
July 27, 2023
RIP Mr. Parker.
I remember meeting you in your private box in Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton sometime in the early 2000s. I was introduced to you by a friend of yours, Bruce Saville.
I remember your private box was the only place left in the stadium that you could still smoke cigarettes indoors haha
Ive since started collecting your Edmoton Eskimos football cards from 1954+ and reading about you has brought a lot of joy to me.
June 3, 2018
Jackie Parker was my dad favorite player. I have a prudential print signed by Jackie which I cherish..
Dave Campbell
June 3, 2018
Jackie Parker was my dad favorite player. I have a prudential print signed by Jackie which I cherish..
Jackie L Parker
April 1, 2017
My name is Jackie Parker. I just read about Jackie so I will learn more about him. I was QB in High School 1957-1960.
Yakima WA
JIM MCCOY
December 26, 2016
I HAD A CLASS WITH JACKIE'S WIFE, PEGGY AND SHE WAS ONE NICE AND SMART LADY. EVERYBODY AT JONES LOVED JACKIE AND PEGGY
Dennis Stewart
August 3, 2016
I wish I could have seen him in his prime . That's my first recollection of foot ball my dad talking about Jackie Parker
ed issler
October 27, 2008
Our deepest consolences for your loss. Patrick introduced my wife and I over 20 years ago and we are trying to reach him. If anyone in the Parker family knows how to reach Patrick T. Parker, please get a message to him. Please ask him to call our home at (239) 389-0396. Once again, Jackie seems to have been a fantastic person judging from what everyone has to say about him.
Jim McCoy
January 6, 2008
Was in school with Jackie at Jones Jr College and not only was he a super football player, but a better person.
Harvey Huddleston, M.D.
September 3, 2007
Heartfelt regards at your loss. I have great memories of Jackie from Jones County Junior College (1951-1953).
Vice-President: Sophomore Class-1953
Bruce Christie
December 31, 2006
To the Parker Clan:
I know Jackie was born January 1st -- the same day as Paul Revere.
I'll always toast him on that day as he was our Paul Revere of the CFL West.
He was the greatest and I hope someone follows up on the study of his life. Thanks for the opportunity to speak.
Bruce Christie
Roland Julian
December 5, 2006
If Jackie had a serious thought as a youngster, it never showed. He was always relaxed, smiling and enjoying life. It wasn't until high school that Jackie's talents began to appear ... but he made them count once he got the opportunity. I was quite disappointed that he wasn't selected as the all-time greatest to play in the CFL in a recent poll. Certainly the two who finished ahead of Jackie were talented and had great statistics, but no one who I'm aware off did so many things -- offensively, defensively or kicking. Some of the basics he learned in our neighborhood pickup games and playing "puntback" on the elementary school field near his family's house. I was surprisingly stunned to read so many columnists in Canada describe Jackie's attributes and tell some great, great stories -- all of which I have no doubt are true. I knew Jackie's mother, stepfather and brother. With Jackie's passing, no one remains from that immediate family. Knowing and playing amateur sports with Jackie was always fun, and he most always put on a show. It was great to have known Jackie and his family.
Roland Julian
Knoxville, Tn.
Patti Wester-Kelley
November 20, 2006
The Bob Wester family in South Knoxville, Tennessee express their sincere condolences. "Bobby" and Carroll were first cousins.
Brad Hestbak
November 18, 2006
In a world of superstars there are few real heros. Jackie Parker was a superhero.
bruce christie
November 15, 2006
I am a Winnipegger who cheered for our Bombers whenever we played the Eskimos. Yet I assure you that Jackie Parker was to become my all-time favourite athlete.
He was so creative, original, special. I loved watching him play and would run to watch any reruns of his plays.
When I wrote him a fan letter, he answered it and sent a painting of his 1954 touchdown gallop. (He played that game injured, but you'd never know.) God bless him; he made life better for all of us.
Bruce Christie
Phil Flanagan
November 15, 2006
To the Parker Family:
Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. I was born about the same time Jackie left for Mississippi and never had the opportunity to meet him. But, I do have the stories shared with me by his uncle(my grandfather) and my dad. My prayers are with all of you.
All the Parkers
November 13, 2006
To all of Jackie's friends and family: We are so very grateful for all of your thoughts and prayers. The love and support you have shown us has been very comforting. We appreciate it very much, thanks again. The Jackie Parker Family.
Patrick T. Parker
November 13, 2006
I had the great blessing to have my Uncle Jack all of my life. It used to amaze me how nobody in the states really knew who he was, but when I asked a Canuck if they know who Jackie Parker was, their eyes would light up and they would inevitable tell the Hunsinger fumble or another great story. Getting to meet Normie, Don, and others was a blast. You are going to be sorely missed Uncle Jack, you were the greatest Uncle a nephew could ever have and I thank GOD you were mine. Role Model, Patriarch, and teacher you are indeed "THE GREATEST" XOXOXOXO Patrick T.
Bob van Essen
November 10, 2006
"Jackie Parker"
Your speed was like the wind,
Your passes were like lightning,
Your touchdowns were like thunder,
Your kindness was like sunshine.
This was felt,seen,heard and will be warmly remembered across the nation.
My condolences to Jack jr and family.
Friend and past co-worker
Bob van Essen.
Terry Erickson
November 10, 2006
To all in the Parker family, as well as his friends, and felllow fans: I send my deep heart felt condelences at this time of grief and sorrow.
BERNIE VENESS
November 10, 2006
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Lois Kingsford
November 10, 2006
He was my childhood hero. There wasn't anything he couldn't do on the football field and in life. My deepest heartfelt sympathies to Jackie's family and friends. I feel I've lost a member of my family and I pray Ole Spaghetti Legs is playing golf with my dad, Art Wiebe, right now. God bless you all!
Robert K. Smith
November 10, 2006
To a very good friend from Knoxville and JCJC. Love to the
family.
Dick and Pat Chrobak
November 10, 2006
Dear Parker Family,
Pat and I were very sorry to hear of the passing of Jackie. We were very fortuante to have known Jackie for a number of years both as a player and a friend. Please accept our heartfelt condolences and we wish you all well.
Marjory Lund
November 10, 2006
Jackie is part of the memories of a 9 year old year Air Force brat, who, with my friends Candy and Judy, even saw the inside of Frank (Pop) Ivy’s home, when calling on his daughter to come out and play. I could sense great maleness in that home, and that was amazing since I was an only child, a girl. I knew nothing about football, but everyone was talking about Jackie Parker, and I was greatly aware of him, to the extent that when he scored the winning goal that year, Candy and I stamped a huge picture of a football player’s face and helmet in the snow on someone’s front yard in celebration of Jackie's winning touchdown.
The years go by and we almost don’t notice them, until our heroes pass away and our own sense of mortality begins to beckon us. And the tender memories soften our souls and we know we will follow our heroes into Eternity.
Miss you Jackie, miss you Candy and Judy. Be seeing you,
Graham Kelly
November 10, 2006
Jackie, you were not only the greatest to ever play our game, you were a wonderful man as well. I will always deeply appreciate the many kindnesses you showed to the guy from Medicine Hat.
Joan Currie
November 10, 2006
You made the game so exciting, and it was those very exciting games that made me a fan. We became solid Edmonton Eskimo Fans, braving our cold and rainy games. The people in the surrounding area became our "Football Famillies". The kids were in the "KnotHole" Gang and to this day love the game.
Thank you for making Edmonton a city to be noticed, and for all the many people you made as fans! I send my family's condolences, to your proud family. They have much to treasure!
Luzzi children
November 10, 2006
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Marilyn & Ralph Wentland
November 9, 2006
Jere Jo, Jack & Family
Our thoughts are with you all at this time of great loss.
John & Margaret Chorney
November 9, 2006
Will forever cherish the memories.
Sharon, Stan and Sarah Semeniuk
November 9, 2006
Our thoughts and condolences are with all of you. We hope that all of the good memories will always be with you. He was a friend to many, but will always be your dad and grandpa.
Scott & Marilyn MacAulay
November 9, 2006
Jere Jo & Family
Scott & I would like to express our deepest sympathy during this difficult time. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
melinda mousseau
November 9, 2006
jackie parker was a true football hero.as he led the eskimos to many great victories the fondest was the famous fumble recovery in the 1954 grey cup.as i look through my step dad's "old football cards"jackies card was and is the most seen throughout.jackie is remembered by the young and old.as i am 11 years old.the great picture as my step dad may call it,which is signed by the great himself is a memorial upon our living room today.my thoughts go out to the parker family.he is in a place inamaginable now,no more hurting.
sighned,
melinda mousseau 11,of ottawa ont.
Barbara Shore
November 9, 2006
Heartfelt condolences to Peggy & family from the family of the late Betty & Charlie Shore. They always remembered Edmonton as a wonderful time in their lives and where they made lifelong friends through football and curling. I remember your visits when you moved to Oakville and we were back in Toronto. And I will always think of Jackie when I hear "King of the Road." Once again, my sincere sympathies,
Barbara Shore
Robert Grey Rowe
November 9, 2006
Coming from a football family, I appreciated the skill level of this outstanding player. Jackie was a high achiever on the grid-iron, truly one of the best who ever played the game.
Lloyd JOHNSON
November 9, 2006
My condolances go out to the Kin of Jackie Parker. I thouroughly enjoyed hearing the semi finals & Grey Cup on radio & then on TV. Even when the Bombers came out on the loosing end. What a career! Thanks Jackie.
ed (buck) tercier
November 9, 2006
our depest sympathy to the family,i have known jack for a longtime through frienship and the famous bater club.I always looked forward to our thursday meetings and I miss them very much.may god bless him.
Nick Slywka
November 9, 2006
Growing up in Edmonton and watching Jackie and the rest of the Esk's from the Knot Hole Gang Section was a great thrill. Even though I am living in Winnipeg since 1979, Esk's are still #1. Condolences to the family.
Keith Rolfe
November 9, 2006
From one who enjoyed life and the pursuit of Grey Cups with Jackie and the Eskimos from 1955 to 1960, I wish I could join everyone at his memorial service on Friday. My thoughts and prayers will be with Jackie's family and his many friends.
Rick & Peggy Bell
November 9, 2006
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Betty Spronken
November 9, 2006
Peggy
Our sympathies to you and your family.
Louis & Betty Spronken
Janet Perkins (nee Ellis)
November 9, 2006
Deepest condolences to Jack and the rest of your family. Your dad was known by all... even those of us who never had the chance to meet him! May he rest in peace!
Kathy & Grant Lakusta
November 9, 2006
Our hearts are with you Jack Jr and family.May God bless Jackie and your whole family.
Tom McPherson
November 9, 2006
Jackie was one of the best, his name will always be synonomous with football in Canada, sincerest condolences to family and friends
John Harvey
November 9, 2006
Like so many kids growing up in Edmonton, I was a big fan of Jackie Parker, My dad took me to a game when he was playing and I saw a great football player who could play in any protion on the field. All my prayes go to the Packer family.
Bob Hughes
November 9, 2006
Canada has lost a great friend. I have known Jackie for 30 years as a football guy, a golfer, a wonderful story teller, a great friend, and a guy who was always the life of the party, and the last person to leave the party. He was simply genuine-what you saw was what you got and what you got was the best.
duncan cameron
November 8, 2006
Oh to be young, and an Eskimo fan, and have Jackie parker at QB inisde the twenty yard line, where he was the best ever, anywhere.
I only saw two athletes who rate with Jackie, Maurice Richard, and Pancho Gonzales.
His loss is deeply felt by all Edmontonians, he was our guy, sweet to watch, and so much fun to cheer on to victory.
Deepest condolences to his family.
Sandi Fowler
November 8, 2006
Growing up in Edmonton, Jackie was my first football hero. My condolenses to all his family.
Neill Armstrong
November 8, 2006
My condolences to the Parker family.I played my last game against Jackie and the Eskimos in a playoff series in 1954. He was a great guy and athlete. He will be missed.
Brian Thorold
November 8, 2006
HE truly was worth the price of admission alone.There may never be another like him.
Bradley Sumner
November 8, 2006
Jackie came into my life in two different ways. The first was, as a kid, cheering him and the great Eskimo team from my Knot Hole Gang bench.
My father brought my sister Lynne and me in from St. Albert to watch their games.
Some years later when Jackie played his last years of football with The Toronto Argo's we curled on the same team competitively for two years in the Toronto Master's Curling League. He was an enjoyable teammate, naturally competitive, an inspiration, and always pleasant and sociable.
Our time together, though short, is a memory that I cherish in many different ways.
I have not had the opportunity to see much of him since that time and I was saddened to hear that his health has not been the best for some years.
He was one of a kind. And he will be missed by many.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Jackie's family.
Danny Parker
November 8, 2006
One of the greatest ever ... not only as an athlete but as my Uncle. I am sad that he died so young ... Blessings to you all.
Joanne Larsen
November 8, 2006
Jack, my deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of your Dad.
Larry Frigon
November 8, 2006
I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Jack Jr.and his family.
dave campbell
November 8, 2006
My Day used to talk about Jackie and his great accomplishments on the field. He had this picture of Jackie returning the famous fumble in the 1954 grey cup. My Dad gave it to me in the 80s and I had Jackie sign it when he was coaching Edmonton on a vist to Ottawa. I cherish that picture. Jackie will always be remembered as the greatest football player in Canada. Just last week my Dad was telling me another story about Jackie in a game aginst Winnipeg. My thoughts go out to Jackie´s family.
Rick Armishaw
November 7, 2006
I would like to share my deepest condolences to the Parker family and his loved ones. I am saddened by Jack's passing. May his wonderful soul rest in peace on the other side.
Jackie Parker was the best CFL QB and the centrepiece of an Edmonton Eskimo dynasty in the late 50s and 60s and having Don Getty as your back-up doesn't hurt either.
Jackie Parker will be remembered as an undisputed CFL All-Star with 3 Grey Cups to his and his team mates' credit.
Ian MacDonald
November 7, 2006
The first Grey Cup that I saw was at a neighbours and I witnessed "the great play " . My heart was in my mouth as Bob Dean kicked the convert to win. Jackie set Edmonton on the road to being THE CITY OF CHAMPIONS. What a legacy, what a inspiration. My deepest sympathy to the family.
Joe Dutton
November 7, 2006
I had the good fortune to meet Jackie in Jasper back in the 1970's at the golf course and not only was he fun to be with but a class act all the way. He was kind, generous and just a great human being. The good lord is in very good company tonight. My thought's are with Jackie's family.
Arden Matheson
November 7, 2006
I was 5 years old and living in Edmonton when Jackie Parker started playing with the Eskimos. All we had back then were the radio broadcasts of the games. My family and I listened to all the games and Parker became my hero. I have been a CFL football fan ever since !! Thanks for the memories.
Brian
November 7, 2006
I did not know Mr. Parker as I grew up in the seventies,but I know his name as one of the GREATEST C.F.L. players known. I think the C.F.L. is truly the best football on the planet. My condolensces go to his familty.
Brian Thorold
November 7, 2006
He really was worth the price of admission alone.
Jeff Allen
November 7, 2006
Jackie Parker and Hal Patterson nourtured my lifelong love for the game of Canadian football with their brilliant offensive and defensive play during the 1950s. To this day, I have not observed a more well-rounded and versatile football player than Jackie Parker.
He was, and shall remain, a genuine football hero. Rest easy,
"Ole Spaghetti Legs".
Russ Bender
November 7, 2006
Wow. What can I say. I was raised in deep southeastern Alberta. The Calgary Stampeders were a terrible football team in the 50's.
Parker's historic fumble recovery and TD return in the '54 Grey Cup turned me on to football. In fact it took me a long time after to become a Stampeder fan.
Nenita Shannon
November 7, 2006
I'm saddened by Jackie's passing. I never saw him play but have always admired him for all his football achievements. I'm a close friend of the family and my heart goes to Peggy Jo, Peggy Mae, Jere and Jack.
Jim Ashton
November 7, 2006
My condolences to the Parker family. I had the great fortune of watching many of those Esk's games in the mid 1950's, either with my dad, or as a Knot Hole Gang member. In my heart, Jackie Parker and that special team that won three Grey Cups in a row were the greatest sports team in history. God bless you Jackie. You were, and will always be, a legend in the football arena.
Byron Cox
November 7, 2006
We have lost one of the all-time greats in Canadian football.
He will always be remembered as a gentleman who loved life, loved his family and friends as well his fans.
Toss a few touchdowns for us Jackie while you get ready to quarterback some of the big games in the sky.
Helen Morrice
November 7, 2006
Peggy:
He was a true gentleman and he will be missed.
Our sympathies to you and your family.
He is finally free from pain.
Doug & Helen Morrice
Tim McCutcheon
November 7, 2006
I played golf with Jackie in a Pro-Am at the Banff Springs a number of years ago.
He said he was an 8 handicap.
I had to make a 5 foot putt on the last hole to beat him by a stroke.
My score was 72. Jackie shot 73.
(8 handicap?)
He was a joy to be with.
A true gentleman.
After making a 40 foot putt on one hole, I kiddingly asked him if he had ever done anything else in sports.
He told me he picked up a loose ball and ran it into the end zone to win the Grey Cup.
He was a memorable athlete and a true sports legend.
Don Eastcott
November 7, 2006
It was a thrill meeting the Legend, but a greater pleasure having a pop with the Man. I´m sure D.J. is saving a seat for him at the Gin Rummy Table.
Patricia
November 7, 2006
Our condolences to the Parker family from the family of the late Dick Buday. Dad once was the trainer of the Eskimos and had many wonderful tales to tell of the great Jackie Parker.
Ken Hanak
November 7, 2006
A bit of Great Edmonton History passes. He along with the rest of the team were my boyhood Idols
Gordon Breckenridge
November 7, 2006
Many an entertaining story was shared by my uncle, Don Simon about the exploits that he and Jackie had... both in the 50's when they played together and right up to this year. A friend you could always count on and a great, great man. Condolences from Don Simon to Jackie's family.
Rick Johnston
November 7, 2006
As a kid new to Edmonton in 1954 I followed my firends to join the Woodwards Knot Hole Gang in old Clarke Stadium. Little did we know then that we were about to ride along with a legend. Jackie Parker was all of that and more. I'm grateful to have been a kid in the fifties and to have had Jack Parker as a true hero and role model.
Jane Seitz
November 7, 2006
Jack/Peg/JereJo:
Our thoughts are with you and your families during this difficult time. I never had the privilege of seeing your Dad play BUT I heard so many stories from my father about the "amazing Jackie Parker" and his Eskimos. Hold all the good memories close to your hearts!
Jane, Karl & Sean Seitz
Gailene Fenwick
November 7, 2006
I was a teenager during Jackie Parker's heyday with the Eskimos. I well remember listening to the radio broadcasts of the Grey Cups in which he participated.
My condolences to his family. He will be long remembered by football fans from all over the country.
Ron Benoit
November 7, 2006
I was 11 years old when you broke my heart as you raced for the winning touchdown against my ALS. As I grew older I truly Appreciated your greatness. My deepest sympathy to the Parker family
Victoria Chapman
November 7, 2006
Very sorry to hear that Jackie has passed away. We heard many great stories about him over the years from our father who played with him in the late 1950's and early 1960's. Heartfelt sympathies to the Parker family from the family of Vic Chapman.
Doug Sarkissian
November 7, 2006
My comments mirror those of David Getty; Jackie lived life to the fullest; he will be fondly remembered; from me and for my dad Al who can now again share some time with Jackie
Alf Gould
November 7, 2006
I was a member of the Knot Hole Gang during the mid-fifties and attended every game. Jackie was the hero of every kid in Edmonton.
We always felt we would win as long as Jackie was playing for us. It was real treat to see him at the " Rec Pool Hall " every once in a while. If you saw him on the street in Edmonton you felt that you had seen a legend!! I still follow the Eskimos and support them even though I have lived in Calgary for 27 years. This is indeed a sad day for all of us who grew up in the 50's .
PATRICK.H FITZPATRICK
November 7, 2006
MY CONDOLENCES TO ALL THE FAMILY
David Getty
November 7, 2006
I highly respected the man, he was a very close family freind and I always admired how he lived. My Condolences to my freinds the Parker Family. Rest in Peace Sir, you'll be Fondly Remembered!!
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