David Gordon Parkin

Born in Toronto, Ontario, on March 8, 1942, to Henry and Edith (nee Williams) Parkin, David was the eldest son in a lively household of eleven siblings. He is survived by his older sister, Ginny, and three younger siblings: Harriet (Bill), Donald (Sharon), and Janis (Candis). He is predeceased by his sister Mary, and younger siblings Wally, Bill, Stan, Marleen, and John.

David is lovingly remembered by his two children, Gordon (Nicola) and Leighann (Paul), and his five cherished grandchildren: Allyssa, Jake, Tristan, Innana, and Jessica. He also leaves behind a large extended family of nieces and nephews — Michael, Deborah, Harold, Jennifer, Jeff, Cindy, Kelly, Bobby, Brian, Karen, Laura, Mary Ann, Jason, Jennifer, Michelle, Samantha, and Jessie — and many great-nieces and nephews.

At the age of 16, David left home to join the Canadian Forces, beginning a lifelong commitment to service and discipline. Over the course of 27 years, Master Corporal David G. Parkin served his country proudly, traveling the world before retiring from the military. In 1986, he settled in Courtenay, BC, to be closer to his children.

Though he retired from the military, David never stopped working hard. He spent several years as a commercial fishing deckhand, only stepping away from the strenuous work at the urging of his daughter following a heart attack. True to form, he redirected his energy into helping others — this time through the Royal Canadian Legion. Over the years, he took on various leadership roles, including Vice President and President, dedicating countless hours to supporting fellow veterans and his community.

David was a passionate sportsman who could often be found on the ice playing hockey, tossing darts in league play, sweeping stones in curling matches, or chasing golf balls across local greens. An avid fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Blue Jays, he rarely missed a game. When they weren’t playing, he could be found happily immersed in a round of golf on TV.

A creature of comforting routines, David began every morning with a 7:49 AM call to his son and ended each day with a nightly check-in with his sister. These simple, consistent gestures reflected the deep love he had for his family.

David was strong, loyal, determined, and selfless — the kind of man who quietly made the world around him better.

Rest easy, Pops (Daddy). Your work here is done.

...Bye for now.

A Poppy service will be held on Thursday July 31st at 1pm at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 160

1825 Comox Ave. Comox, BC.