David Harold Joseph Parker

Age 84 of Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, passed away peacefully at Dartmouth General Hospital on January 19, 2021, surrounded by family. He was born to his parents Connie and William Parker on July 27, 1936 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He is survived by Barbara, the love of his life, who he married on September 30, 1955. He is also survived by his brother, Robert Parker; sister, Anne Miller; children, Cassandra (Terry), Fleur (Shannon), Holly (Adam), Jonathan (Shayna), Jason (Klaudia); grandchildren, Natasha, Matthew, Christopher, Chelsea, Kaleigh, Ayla, Landon, Luke, Violet, Charleigh and Willow as well as great-grandchildren, Kayla, Emalyn, Lola and Wren. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. David was predeceased by his son, Kyle; parents, William and Connie; sister, Blanche and his brother, Bill.

David graduated from Queen Elizabeth High School and received a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Dalhousie University and Nova Scotia Institute of Technology. He worked for Nova Scotia’s Department of Transportation and received an award for his 25 years of dedicated service in 1991. Not quite ready to retire, David headed North to Iqaluit, Nunavut, fulfilling the dream that he shared with his father of working in Canada’s Arctic. He spent 10 years working for the Territorial government as a Project Officer. His work involved travel to many of the communities in Nunavut, working with the local community governments and meeting new people. He was a member of both the Association of Professional Engineers of Nova Scotia and Nunavut/Northwest Territories and received awards for the sharing of engineering knowledge and understanding. When not engineering, he could be found working at Iqaluit Airport as a security screener who would be responsible for screening for hazardous materials in baggage and greeting the passengers prior to their departures.

David dedicated what little spare time he had to connecting with others and expanding his knowledge of the world. Over the years, he volunteered by teaching religious education classes, delivering sermons in church, working with the helpline for people in crisis and providing informal counseling for newlywed couples. David was an avid reader of history and science and had a strong admiration towards learning from the readings of Stephen Hawkings. He loved the outdoors and derived true joy from the beauty of nature. As a younger man, David enjoyed fishing, but his heart was devoted to fly-fishing when he could. In his later years he stayed connected with nature by surrounding his home with the plants and trees that he loved. He loved all animals but was especially fond of dogs. He enjoyed action movies, his favourite foods, but most of all, sharing life’s experiences with others.

David’s humorous and caring nature toward family, friends and strangers alike made him loved by all. His passion for public speaking and his thirst for collecting and sharing knowledge was exceeded only by his ability to connect with people on a personal level. His practical approach to problem solving and caring nature towards others, accompanied by his immense compassion and sincerity, will be cherished by all who had the privilege to know him.

David will be remembered for his ability to genuinely and unabashedly express his feelings, his kindness and his generosity. He will be fondly remembered as an amazing husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend to many near and far.

Special thanks to the wonderful doctors and nurses at the Dartmouth General Hospital who provided invaluable care during his last days.

Due to COVID-19, there are restrictions to the number of people who may attend. Attendance will be by invitation only with masks. Social distancing is in effect at the funeral home. The memorial will be held on Monday, January 25, 2021 at A.L Mattatall Funeral Home located at 217 Portland Street in Dartmouth. Burial will follow at Fairview Lawn Cemetery located at 3720 Windsor Street in Halifax, N.S. A celebration of life will be held at a later date due to COVID-19. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s society or to a charity of choice.