I’m a bit late but I just found out.  My parents and Don’s parents were great friends back in the 70s and 80s.  Joe & Rita Hurtubise.  Al Parent & Joe Parent & my dad Joe were in Knights of Columbus together.   I remember Anne Marie and Denise.  Rest In Peace Donny.  Sorry we didn’t keep in touch after we became adults.  Sounds like you had a great life and many people loved you.  

This week during a meeting at SDG&E, I learned of Dons passing. I was floored and was pretty much useless the rest of the day as I reflected about my lost friend from work. Don treated me like a prince and taught me volumes about diffusing a bad situation. It was simple for Don....a smile, coupled with a lot of truth and integrity. Miss him very much. 

To Donald Parent's family,
My sincere condolences to a true Saintsman.
Sincerely,
Ed Valenzuela

So many of us at SDG&E dearly miss our friend and colleague, Don Parent.  No matter where he was or what he was doing, he put the gentle in gentleman.  We miss his smile, his tongue-in-cheek humor around a conference table, his earnestness, and the enduring sense of courtesy and decency that he brought to everything that he did.  We are comforted when we see that same kind glimmer in the eyes of his boys, Colin and Evan, a glimmer that I'm sure Denise, Abagail, and Mallory share as well.  We know that it was the object of Rhonda's loving affection and admiration.  None of us had ever seen someone so happy to retire after 42 years of service at SDG&E as Don.  He was like a 10-year-old boy the morning of a trip to Six Flags, and we all knew it was because he was running into the arms of his beloved Rhonda.  We used to rib Don for being the Grand Marshall of so many parades, but the truth is that Don Parent was, is, and will always be our Grand Marshall through the shining, noble example of love and kindness that he set for all of us.  Godspeed, Don Parent. Godspeed.

Don was a friend to all that knew him. May you rest in peace and enjoy your next life. Class 67

A wonderful service and tribute to the great life of Donny Parent!  We were watching live.....from Vancouver, Canada (thanks to Marc Parent).  The service and well spoken "life lived" by his two sons brought back memories of Donny & his connection to the Parent family in Canada.  

God bless Donny and his family.

Rick & Cathy Parent
Vancouver

Don, courageous and positive until the end. Congratulations on a life well lived.  God bless him and his family.

Gosh, where do you begin with Don Parent?? This man had a heart of gold, a head of knowledge, a mouth of humor, a soul of genuine goodness. He is just one of those unique people that touched your life in an unexplainable way. Don and I worked together at SDG&E for 7 years and our friendship continued while I moved to Chicago and back to San Diego. He always kept in touch and made me laugh every time I spoke to him. It didn't matter our age difference, he was a very dear friend of mine! Don made everyone feel special and loved. He did so much in his community for others and loved Rhonda, Colin, Evan and his grandchildren  SO much. He spoke about his family with so much pride, which made you love and admire him even more. I am beyond saddened that I can't see him again to give him a hug and have a laugh...but he did make my 40th birthday very memorable, even despite his battle, he went all the way to Escondido to help me celebrate a special year. I have endless memories of Don and they will live on in my heart and amongst our friends. Sending Rhonda, Colin, Evan and their entire family my deepest sympanthies and healing energy. Love, Sandra Dedic

Lee and I will always remember our friendship and all the  glorious times in Cabo San Lucas.  Don was one of those who connected with everyone who met him.  He was gifted with a personality that attracted.  It was a combination of laid-back warmth, sincerity, humor of give and take, strength, listening/exchanging, low-fizz sparkle and more.  Most would say "A great guy", "A great friend"  because he was genuine.  And he was genuine with God Almighty.  We miss you Don, Love you Man.

Our prayers and condolences to your family from the Cabrera Family.   A man that was willing to share his wisdom when asked,  He left his mark on how we view the world by helping others.   God Bless.  I heart is filling heaven.

Please accept my heartfelt sympathies on the loss of your loved one. It was a real pleasure to have known and worked with Don during our time at SDG&E.  He will be sorely missed.  May He Rest In Peace! 

It's difficult to find only a few words to describe how we felt about Don.  Special definitely comes to mind. His charm, his friendliness, his always helpful nature were also attributes of his that made us want to frequently be in his company. Ironically, I'm even working from an old desk right now that Don helped me restore many years ago. We partied together, he helped us design our old home patio, we went to church together, and he was our boys' Scout Master. Simply put, he was a very good friend.

He will be greatly missed, but our memory of him will live on.

Al 'n Peg Araiza 

It is with shock and great sadness that we learned of Don's passing.  We first met him through our children's school and as a great Boy Scout volunteer.  He was a fine man, always willing to lend a helping hand.  He is definitely gone too soon.
Our deepest sympathies to his family.
Kathy and Byron Summers and Family

It is with great sadness to hear that Don has passed.  Our friendship spanned many years as we both worked at SDG&E and the years following our retirements.  His attitude and look on life was always positive and forward looking.  We had a lot of fun and made some wonderful memories.  We will miss him, until we meet again! Jay and Gail Shepard    

Very sad to see that my friend, Don Parent has passed - he was way too young. Don and I worked closely together for several years at SDG&E,  Applied Energy subsidiary, early to mid '80s. His son, Colin, was ring bearer at my daughters wedding.  We kept in touch occasionally & I would see him at the SDG&E retired employees association luncheons.  I will really miss his hearty laugh and sense of humor - RIP.  My sympathy and condolences to Don's family.

I believe I knew Don and his brother Darryl while working at the Midway Post Office. We are all native Hoosiers.

OBITUARY

Donald Arthur Parent

13 July, 1949 – 25 May, 2020

El Cajon Mortuary and Cremation Service

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