Obituary of Donald Parrish

Donald Jardine Parrish B.A.Sc., P.Eng. Peacefully at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre on Saturday, February 19, 2011 in his 95th year. Beloved husband of the late Eleanor (nee Hagerman) for 63 years. Deeply saddened is his son James Donald (Vicki). Grandy will be greatly missed by grandchildren James Jardine and Kristine Marie. Predeceased by his brothers Vernon (Peggy) and Earle and sister Marjorie (Jack Cocks). Loving uncle to Susan Connell (daughters Elisha and Amelia), David (deceased), Earle Parrish (Joanne and their children), Rev. Dr. Nancy Cocks and Jane Kilthei (children Parrish and Ariel). Also uncle to Eleanor's nieces and nephews: Joan Hagerman (daughter Kimberly), Robert Hagerman (Suzanne-deceased) and their daughter Michelle (Matt) and Bruce Hagerman. He is mourned by friends and staff at his Amica at Bayview residence. Born in 1916, Don grew up in Medicine Hat, Alberta learning about his father Vernon's foundry business, playing winter hockey on the frozen South Saskatchewan River and rounding up cattle on the Quarter Circle T Ranch. He followed brother Vern's footsteps east to the University of Toronto where he became Chairman of the Mechanical Engineering Club in his graduating year, 1942. Don met Eleanor, a fellow Westerner, in the Great Hall of Hart House where she was Assistant Superintendant of the dining room. They were married in September 1943. After teaching in the Faculty of Engineering for several years, Don was invited to join the engineering firm of H.H.Angus & Associates. As Vice-President until his retirement 25 years ago, he had the pride of overseeing many Toronto and area landmark buildings and hospitals. Upon Eleanor's passing in 2006, Don moved to his neighbourhood Amica where he met new friends in a warm community setting. A heartfelt thank you to Don's caring doctors especially Richard James, Alan Fegelman and Claire Nunes-Vaz, and his ICU doctors and nurses at Sunnybrook. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME - A.W. MILES CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 24. A private family service will be held on Friday in the chapel. Interment at a later date in the family cemetery at Hagerman Corners near Unionville. As an expression of remembrance, donations are gratefully appreciated to North York General Hospital's 'Parrish Family Endowment Fund' or to Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com