Dr. George L. Parker

Dr. George L. Parker, 91, Professor Emeritus, of the Royal Military College (RMC) in Kingston, Ontario, passed away on August 11, 2026 at the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Center, in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Born December 10, 1934 in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island to Wilfred and Marion Parker (Whear), George was an avid lover of literature, history, culture and the Canadian Maritimes. After attending Mount Allison University and Pennsylvania State University, George Parker received his Ph.D from the University of Toronto (1969).

He worked at RMC from 1969 until his retirement in 1997, serving variously as Assistant Professor, Professor, Chair of the English Department and Acting Dean of Arts. In 2005 the college recognized his achievements by honouring him with the title of Emeritus Professor.

George was a respected authority on the history of the Canadian Publishing industry, copyright and Canadian Literary history and was awarded the Marie Tremaine Medal in 2009 by the Council of the Bibliographical Society of Canada. He has authored numerous publications on Canadian publishing history, copyright, and Canadian literary history including The Beginnings of the Book Trade in Canada (1985). He edited or co-edited five books, including two volumes in the Evolution of Canadian Literature series (1973), a collection of R.E. Watters’ essays and speeches, and the CEECT edition of Thomas Chandler-Haliburton's The Clockmaker, Series One, Two, and Three (1995). In addition, he has authored more than 25 articles and book chapters, and produced approximately 90 entries for printed and online dictionaries and encyclopedias.

George was an active member of his communities and particularly fond of his cottage in Keppoch Estates, Prince Edward Island. A man of style and taste, he was a photography enthusiast who loved to travel and appreciated fine food and drink. No one was more dedicated to researching the family history and he developed connections with family across the globe.

George is survived by his brother David Parker (Jean); nephews Michael (Sheryl) and Jamie (Yudenkis); cousins Rebecca, Jeffrey, and Catherine (Joel) Stockhausen; and grand-nephews Kaelan and Riley Parker. Predeceased by niece Donna Parker.

Donations in memory of George may be made to The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, 1-877-882-2582. A family service in Yarmouth, NS. will be arranged in the future.