Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Edward James PARKER
1930 - 2018
Edward James PARKER
1930 - 2018
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1930
DIED
2018
Edward PARKER Obituary
Family and friends will be celebrating his life at the Vancouver Academy of Music on Monday, February 12, 2018 @ 3PM.
The family requests that donations be made to the Vancouver SPCA in lieu of flowers
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
41 Entries
Patricia MC
July 15, 2024
I am very grateful of Mr. Parker for his genuine support and encouragement to get me back on track to complete my Grade 10 exam leading into ARCT level. He is very truthful and kind to offer his insights. I remember that he would take me out for lunch at White Spot in the neighborhood and tell me breathtaking stories about his flying and driving experiences. His love for cats was inspiring, though I was a dog person! He was amazing to take me on his wings to learn all about piano teaching which requires both technique and understanding about our students. I don't think I have ever encountered a piano teacher who cares that deeply. He saw that I was playing the piano for the church and had faith in me from his own experience playing for his United community that I would continue to grow on my musical journey. Although I continued to pursue my university studies in elementary education, I would always remember his piano lessons in his Burnaby studio and now appreciate him even a lot more as I am now a parent of three children who are learning how to play a musical instrument (one of which is the piano taught by me)! My deepest condolences are with his family. Take care and I am very sorry that I couldn't write until now. I also lost my father around that time and so it feels the same way as I was hearing the passing of such a fatherly teacher. Thank you kindly for giving me an opportunity to honour late Mr. Parker here! My family will always remember him. With prayers!
Robert Deans
November 7, 2020
Edward Parker was my piano teacher from 1960 until 1965. He was like a second father to me. He took me flying in a Cessna 4 seater plane. He took me on the giant roller coaster at the PNE when it first opened. Edward you will be in my heart FOREVER. Robert Deans
Kevin
April 2, 2020
He was more than a teacher or mentor to me. He was a father to me. A father that was much needed growing up. Thank you Edward James Parker for all that you have done for the many students, teachers, friends and family. Many regrets not seeing you one last time. Hope you are in a better place. Godspeed.
Sandra Morse
January 27, 2019
My sincere condolences to the family. He was the wonderful teacher, who inspired, and brought out every ounce of talent in all his pupils. He will be greatly missed
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
margaret mclynn
December 10, 2018
I just recently learned about the death of Edward Parker. He had a huge influence on my life in Canada. I had just emigrated from Ireland and was seeking to continue with my piano studies when I was lucky enough to be taken on as his student. It was in the days he used to commute to Vancouver Island. He was a kind encouraging teacher who prepared me with great strategy for my ARCT and helped to ease my way into life in Canada. I still use his principles of style, common sense,humour and fingering! in my own teaching. My sympathy goes to his family whom he always talked about with great affection and pride. Rest in peace. Margaret McLynn
Gary and Suzanne Duke
November 4, 2018
His teaching lives on in his son and nephews
Reno Dikaios
September 16, 2018
One can never know true immortality unless they are a teacher, no matter what the profession. For it is the teachers of our lifetimes that stay with us. Edward Parker took me under his wing many years ago and taught me the best technique. Every time I play anything, I think of him. I spent hours in his private studio in Burnaby, becoming the best of friends. I will always light a candle for him. I can only hope that through my playing and future performance, he will be remembered, for his hands will always shine through mine. Every note I hit, it is become of him.
Bill Costin
April 23, 2018
Edward was my teacher and mentor when I went back to finish my classical piano studies as an adult in the 1990's. He was also my festival adjudicator in Nanaimo in the early 70's. He greatly helped me with my piano teaching skills as well. I use what he taught me every day of every week that I teach piano. He was also a good friend. We had great chats about all parts of life. He was especially interested in how I and my family were caring for my elderly father in Nanaimo at the time. He encouraged me to have a child, which my wife and I did! He also had a great sense of humour. I lost track of him and I have missed him in the last few years. I attended his appreciation party at the Hyatt in downtown Vancouver. A wonderful evening I will never forget. I will never forget Edward, a teacher, and a friend.
Sam Shumka
April 20, 2018
Mr. Parker was my very first festival adjudicator. I told my mom that I wanted to study with him one day. When I was 13, I was given a lesson with Mr. Parker as my birthday present. For the next seven years, I would continue to study with him first, monthly, then bi-weekly, as I had to commute from Vancouver Island. He was by and large the reason my life took the path it took. He instilled a love of music, and a love of music excellence that I am now passing on to my students. I'm so happy for my time with him. He very much became a father figure to me, and much more than a piano teacher. My favourite memory of him is bringing my best friend, who was also a pianist, to lessons with me, and him asking us when we were going to get married (Me being 18 at the time, and she being 16). Although it's been 20 years since I've taken my last lesson with him, his teaching continues to impact me today. To Ian and Keath, you have my most heart felt condolences. Your father was an exceptional man. Rest in peace my dear teacher.
Peter Langer
March 21, 2018
I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Parker's passing. Him and Eileen were wonderful landlords, incredibly kind, gracious, and compassionate. My sincere, warmest condolences to Ian and Keath.
Peggy T.
March 4, 2018
Both Mr. Parker and Mrs. Eileen Parker were my piano teachers in the 1990s-2000s. I used to go their home and studio in Burnaby for all of my music lessons. Mr. Parker was an excellent piano pedagogy teacher whose book is still my reference book in piano teaching. Mrs. Parker was very kind to me when I was her student. She'd give me extra candies because my parents were not around in Canada. Thank you very much and may you both rest in peace.
Edward Zhou
February 26, 2018
A poetry in memory of Mr. Parker
from Joe and Edward Zhou
Kathryn Rowe
Kathryn Rowe
February 23, 2018
Dear Parker family. Thank you so much for including this space to send greetings on the death of Edward. I have such fond memories of this man, who has been a part of my life since the early years of teaching up in Prince George, BC. When I took a lesson from him, he gave his all to helping me succeed. He helped me through my grade 10 exam and then my ARCT teachers. He was so generous with his studio space allowing me to come and practise in one of the rooms and even to hold a small private recital one evening when I needed a space to perform. May God bless you and keep you in His loving care through these sad days. With love and much kindness, Kathryn Rowe. Vancouver, BC
Susan & Jim Olsen
February 20, 2018
Our heartfelt condolences to Ian and Keath. May your memories of your loving Dad stay with you and strengthen your spirits. We remember how happy Edward was with his marriage to Eileen and the wonderful support (both musically and emotionally) that she provided for him for so many years. And who can ever forget how pleased he was to be the father of two sons!
We students will never forget him - he was one-of-a-kind and his legacy will forever be the thousands of people he influenced to continue the pursuit of beautiful music. Rest in peace, dear Edward.
Gina
February 18, 2018
I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Parker's passing. He was a wonderful teacher, incredibly gracious, and full of wit and wisdom. I got as far as I did because of him he helped me achieve so much. My deepest, warmest condolences to Ian and the family. He will be missed.
rakhshandeh chandler
February 17, 2018
Eternally grateful to Mr. Parker for his generosity, compassion and inspiration. Our 3 children were so fortunate to have had you as their beloved and cherished piano teacher. You made their lives richer and they forever cherish the fond memories of their early (6 a.m.) lessons with you.
We offer our most sincere condolences to dear Ian, Keath and rest of the family on this irreparable loss.
You were a treasure Mr. Parker and your legacy will be continued by generations of musicians to come.
Rest in peace.
Mel and Rakhshandeh Chandler
Barbara Zielinski
February 16, 2018
To Ian, Keath & family--What a beautiful and moving service Monday- for dear Edward--musician & teacher extraordinaire--wonderful mentor, friend and inspiration to so many! What a legacy he leaves us and a very special place he'll always hold in my heart. With heartfelt best wishes for you, Barbara PS Warren & my Mom, Mrs. Strell (now 97) send their sincere condolences & wishes too.
David Sproule
February 16, 2018
Even though I have not seen Edward in many years, I will truly miss his incredible wit and insight and foresight as a piano teacher and musician. My condolences go to Ian and Keath and Jackie (Jon) and Jamie and the whole Parker family. I taught piano in the duplex on Imperial in Burnaby in the early 1980's and gained so much insight into music and life by having Edward as a friend and colleague. I will miss him and our coffee sessions. Edward has left his students with a legacy of the love of music and he will truly be missed by his students, friends and family, and will be remembered for years to come.
February 15, 2018
Edward's influence will be felt in the music teaching world for some time to come. My siblings and I all studied with him, and in my almost forty years of teaching piano I frequently have found myself using what he taught me. Thank you, and RIP.
Heather (Chik) Plinovich
February 15, 2018
While I have not seen Mr. Parker in 20 years, he had a pronounced influence on my childhood. Mr. Parker helped shape the way I think about learning and teaching, how I interpreted, appreciated, and performed classical music, and my desire for achievement. I will always have fond memories of Mr. Parker, including some fun ones, such as sending me to the corner store to buy him snacks, his cat Moses, and of course, his piano scarf. Thank you Mr. Parker for being my teacher and mentor. You will be greatly missed.
CFMTA FCAPM
February 13, 2018
The Canadian Federation of Music Teacher Associations would like to express its condolences to the family of Edward Parker on the passing of this great teacher. We are grateful for his passion and energy that have inspired many generations of music teachers who now pass on his legacy. He will be missed.
isaac juarez-flores
February 12, 2018
I will always keep you in my heart, thanks for everything you did for me
Natalia Pardalis
February 12, 2018
My deepest condolences to the Parker Family. I had the privilege of studying with Mr. Parker as a child and I have wonderful memories. He got me hooked on performing giving me the opportunity to play on a real stage at such a young age. His inspiration gave me a start -- I will never forget.
Natalia Pardalis
Linda Prai
February 12, 2018
The music community has lost a mentor, colleague, and friend. Edward was my pedagogy teacher for several years, shaping the teacher I became. Often he would make one sharp, insightful comment that made a whole lesson worthwhile! He will be sorely missed. Linda Prai (Surrey, BC)
Liz Parker
February 12, 2018
Uncle Edward was definitely a piano teacher first, uncle second. He treated me like anyone else and from him I learned not to cry when I didn't want to. He also treated me as a pianist in my own right, and not as a sister of famous brothers. This is a difficult grieving process as he gave so much in many ways, and was a difficult man in others. Musically, he (along with my mother, Keiko), taught me everything. I got my ARCT Gold Medal because of him. Thanks to Uncle Edward, I proved I was a Parker, too.
Rest in peace.
February 12, 2018
[email protected]
Audra Rantawan
February 12, 2018
Even though Mr. Parker could only teach me until I finished grade 8 in 2014 when I was 9 years old because of his illness, he gave me the best experience in learning piano. I have a lot of good memories with him from my first festival to my exam. I will always remember coming to his house every week for my lessons and getting candy from him. Mr. Parker was the best piano teacher I ever had. Now, because of Mr. Parker I aspire to go to university to be a professional pianist. Thank you Mr. Parker for not only being the best piano teacher I could ever ask for. You will be missed. My deepest condolences to his family.
Brent North
February 12, 2018
When I was 6 and 7 I was sick a lot and missed many lessons. Mr.Parker could easily have replaced me with another student but he didn't. The music I learned from him helped me pay my way through University and it remains a life long gift. My condolences to Ian and Keith.
Roseanna Chu
February 11, 2018
My condolence to the family of Mr. Edward Parker. Grateful for all his musical contribution to B.C., Canada and the world. I will pray for the repose of his soul and for his family members.
Winfried Rompf
February 11, 2018
Edward Parker was not only an inspiring teacher (yes, I learned so much from him) but a friend beyond compare. He gave me opportunities that have mapped my entire working life - including that of teaching piano, coaching, adjudicating, and examining. He will always be remembered for his understanding, his kindness and his love for his friends. What a legacy he left - may his spirit rest in peace after the suffering in the body is now over!. With my deepest affection, Win Rompf
Sylvia Yee
February 10, 2018
Mr. Parker was a dedicated teacher and great mentor. He always dazzled me with his Chopin playing and his humour. I am forever grateful for the Parker family and will continue to share the same stories he shared with me in my lessons to my present students. May his great legacy live on.
Sidney Yin
February 10, 2018
If it had not been for Mr. Parker, I would have never chosen the path I took as a pianist. He was the one who encouraged that I took an audition at Juilliard, paved my way through the process, and helped me enter competitions left and right in Vancouver and throughout Canada in my younger days. Thank you, for all that you've done for me and for many, many others, Mr. Edward Parker. You will be missed. Condolences to Ian and Keith.
Marie Cahill
February 10, 2018
I would like to extend my condolences to the family of Edward Parker. He was an excellent teacher and had no problem sharing his teaching secrets with others. He will be missed.
Lucas Wong
February 9, 2018
Condolences to Ian and Mr. Parker's family. My first encounter with Mr. Parker was me playing Debussy's Arabesque at his masterclass, where he also convinced me that music would be my destiny. My career would not be possible without your immense pedagogical influence and generous musical offering, Mr. Parker, Rest in Peace.
Alison Read
February 9, 2018
Mr. Parker was a wonderful and inspiring teacher. He helped guide and prepare me for several exams, including my ARCT in Piano Performance. His expertise and exceptional teaching abilities allowed me to experience the joy of music in a more profound way. I will never forget the influence he had on my musical development. My condolences to his family during this difficult time.
BCRMTA c/o Secretary
February 9, 2018
Edward Parker was a maverick in the British Columbia music scene and the British Columbia Registered Music Teachers' Association was proud to call him a member. Of the thousands of students he taught, countless have gone on to be teachers themselves, keeping alive his style, knowledge and passion for the teaching profession. Of the many recipients of the BCRMTA Pedagogy Award, Mr. Parker's students were frequent recipients. He will be missed as an adjudicator, clinician and teacher. His legacy will be far reaching.
Andrew Persoon
February 9, 2018
Thank you Mr. Parker for the lasting impact you made on my life, my sister's life, and my mother's life. I would not be a professional musician and audio engineer today, were it not for the world class level of instruction I received from you, at a critical age in my development. Today, British Columbia lost one of its finest mentors.
Andrew Persoon, Coquitlam, B.C.
Sheila Persoon
February 9, 2018
Our Thoughts and Prayers go out to the family of Mr. Parker. He was an inspiration to us all. His passion for music and teaching will continue on thru next generations as he taught so many of us 'how to teach'!
May you Rest In Peace Mr. Parker.
Sheila, Heather, Andrew & the Persoon Family. Coquitlam, B.C.
Andrea Brown
February 9, 2018
Mr Parker was more than just a brilliant pianist and mentor. He was a kind man who really cared for his students and all his beloved pets. My heart is broken but I will always treasure all the bits of wisdom he so generously shared with me. He will never be forgotten. My condolences to his family who graciously shared him with all of us that cherished him.
Carla Read
February 9, 2018
Mr. Parker was a wonderful teacher for my daughter and an inspirational mentor. He was passionate about music and will always be regarded as one of the best piano teachers in Canada. He will be missed!
February 9, 2018
I am saddened to hear of the news of the passing of my mentor, Mr. Parker. My heart is broken. The pianist and music teacher I am today is due to all of his expertise, advice & knowledge in his field. I will treasure all of the memories, musical and non-musical. My condolences to his family.
Shelley
Showing 1 - 41 of 41 results
5505 Fraser Street, Vancouver, BC V5W2Z3
Make a Donation
in Edward PARKER's name
How to support Edward's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Edward PARKER's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
