Name: Vancouver Memorial Services and Crematorium
Address: Vancouver, BC

A great teacher and a great person.  Always supportive, always honest, always consistent.  I couldn't have asked for a better start in piano.  One of my biggest regrets was not telling him later in life the strong and positive influences he had on my life.  He was a true musical treasure that Vancouver was so fortunate to have.  

Mr. Parker is one of the most important and momentous figures in my life. I took lessons with him from around 2007 for years since I was a little one. 

He inspired music in me and never stopped being encouraging. I would always be his last student. At times, we would spend 2-3, sometimes even 4, hours in his home while he instructed my playing, or taught me harmony, or sometimes sharing a meal together, or just chatting, sharing his memories. 

Giving him  my adjudicator's sheets after festival season was like showing him my report card. The Burnaby house felt like a second home. Those memories, conversations, and critiques have shaped who I am today. I will never forget the house, Conservatory, cats,  his beige / grey suit, and scarf. 

I will always keep him in my heart, his humor, generosity, love.  I stopped playing piano since high school but have recently picked it back up. And his comments, inspirations, praises, critiques still live on as I practice. 

My eternal love of music is thanks to Mr. Parker and Ian. May you rest in peace 🤍

Mr. Parker was my wonderful, funny and inspiring piano teacher when I was 10 years old until I was about 15 years old.  He really motivated and inspired me into music in a beautiful way. Before I had him as my piano teacher, I was really floundering in music, but his no nonsense and practical approach along with his belief in me gave me the foundation I needed to become a musician.  I would not be a piano teacher if it wasn’t for him and also my parents.  He showed me by his example how wonderful a life could be in music.  I remember he used to enter many reader’s digest sweepstakes and publisher’s clearing house contests and have me run down to the post office to mail them.  He always promised me if he won anything he would share it with me and I believe that. He truly loved and appreciated all his students. I hope I can live up to his incredible example.

I took lesson  from Mr Parker from 1955  trough 1965 when I switched to Barbara Custance on his recommendation.   There were three of us at the time who were his star  pupils. Kathy Anthony   me and  a very cool german guy.  Thanks  to Edward's  we used to win all the festivals. I had to ride all the way from  Kitchener street  to his north burnaby home on my bike to take lessons most of it up hill.  Sometimes he would fall asleep at the piano because he was busy studying in Seattle for his masters degree and would drive back and forth every day.  I was glad he didn't fall asleep driving.    He had different  motivation tactics for different students.  I particularly liked  the one he used on me.
"Douglas" he said "you are not  practising enough!  If you come here and practise  I will pay you  $2.00 for every hour you practise downstairs."  Of course I agreed.  Later  he lent me a  9 foot Kanabe grand piano so I could prepare my work  for Barbara. 

What a guy He was  best friend  great teacher and alternative father  brother for me and I miss him  greatly. 
Dr Douglas Foster DMD  
 Napoli Italy   Feb 2019
Scipiofoster@yahoo.com        any further comment would be appreciated especially the name of the "German guy"

Regina
August 27, 2018

We ask in Jesus’ Name,  that He would bless the soul of Edward James Parker, amen. 

Thank you Mr. Parker, for teaching me and my two children piano. Your gift of music to us has enriched our lives so profoundly that it couldn’t be expressed in mere words. 

I always knew God is a FAB creator. 
Mr. Parker, you are so special and wonderful. The void you leave the world can never be filled. 

May you rest in heavenly peace!

I have just learned of the passing of Edward Parker. My sincere condolence to his family and friends.

My story is a bit unusual. In 1971, I was accepted into the UBC faculty of music for a year, though I played no instruments at all (I’m not sure this would happen today). I believe taking piano was a requirement, and so I showed up my first day and there before me was Edward Parker, a gentle soul wearing a stylish neck scarf. We chatted a bit, and I told him I had never played the piano before (I’m not sure how many other of his students fell into this rather unique category). 

He was totally unfazed by this, thought for a minute, and then said to me: “Here’s what we’re going to do. Go out and purchase Bartok’s ‘For Children”, Books I and II. You’re going to work on these throughout the year. It’s got everything in it. That’s all you’ll need.” And so I did, and over the course of a beautiful year, I learned to play the piano, and then some. I believe Edward said I had reached about a Grade 6 level by the end of the year.

I left the music faculty the next year and so I can honestly say that Edward Parker was my one and only piano teacher! 

After that, I taught myself, learned pieces on my own, but I always felt a part of Edward was guiding me. I had long gaps of no piano playing, including my 10 years in Africa, but later on I came back to it, just for fun. I fell in love with a Brahms piece, his Intermezzo, Op. 118, No. 2 in A major. It took me years to learn the piece, and many more years to memorize it. And so it was, one very brave morning about 10 years ago in the Laurentians, that I sat down at a grand piano, overcame my huge fears, and played the Intermezzo in front of about 100 people, my one and only public performance.

My debt to you Edward is beyond words. Thank you for instilling in me the love and passion to explore the piano in my own way and at my own speed.

David Rain, Ottawa


I had Mr. Parker as a piano teacher for only a few years a decade ago but I'll never forget him. He was funny and kind, and an amazing person, not just teacher. So much gratitude to have briefly known him and learned from him! He taught me piano, but he also taught me about life. His memory will continue to live on. 💛

Mr.  Edward J Parker was and is one the most influential beings in my life. To have stirred and honed my love of music and piano through our lessons, I cannot thank you enough. Many blessings to the Parker family. 




 



A poetry in memory of Mr. Parker
from Joe and Edward Zhou

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

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.

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.

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


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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I will always keep you in my heart, thanks for everything you did for me

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

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)

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
liz@lizpr.com

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.

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.

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.

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

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.  

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.


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.

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. 

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!

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

OBITUARY

Edward James Parker

10 October, 1930 – 8 February, 2018

Vancouver Memorial Services and Crematorium

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