William Clarence Parr

William Clarence Parr, known as Bill, passed away at David Lloyd Jones Home in Kelowna, BC on Feb 20, 2025, aged 87 years due to a brain injury. Bill was the 3rd son of Fredrick Cyril Parr and Naomi Ethel Young Parr. Born in Bonnyville, AB, he lived his early years on a farm near Beaverdam, AB. When his father suffered an injury and was given one year to live, the family moved to Canoe, BC where they purchased a store to provide the family income. Bill later recalled those years as some of his happiest.

Despite the chilling news, Cyril survived, and Bill’s younger brother was born there in Canoe. The family then moved to Quesnel, BC where they purchased 65 acres. The family cleared and farmed the land and also ran a small sawmill. Bill left school at 14, and went to work at Weldwood, a plywood plant, and completed his apprenticeship as a Millwright. He also became a union rep. In this role he fell in love with a beautiful young woman who would become his wife.

He married Juanita (Whynettia Christianson) in July 1960. Together they raised two children, Louanne and Russel. They moved a lot – to Golden, then Armstrong, and then Vernon. Bill retired as a foreman at the Armstrong Mill in 1993. They moved again to Quesnel to help Keith and Louanne with the roof truss business. Bill was a delivery driver and crane operator. In 2002 they moved back to Vernon. Unfortunately, in 2017 Neta became ill so they moved to Kelowna, where they remained until she passed. His heart broke when he lost her in 2020, just a few months after their 60th anniversary. Bill spent time in various retirement residences between Vernon and Kelowna after this time. Many thanks to the staff who supported Bill. Bill loved being surrounded by family. Besides work and family, Bill was very active in the community. He enjoyed playing hockey, bowling, curling and golfing. He was a member of the Legion and Sons of Norway.

In his later years, he sang in the Hawthorn Park Men's Choir and Songshine Group. Bill and Neta travelled to Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico and across Canada. They also often travelled to visit relatives.

Besides his lovely wife, he is also predeceased by his parents, and his brothers Frank and Fred. He is survived by his brother Richard Parr (Herbert Saskatchewan), his children Louanne Ohlhauser (Keith) and Russel Parr (Mary) and his 5 grandchildren: Jonathan Ohlhauser, Dr. Lisa Ohlhauser (Devan), Brittany Parr, Kristin Wagantall (Shaun), Hailey Lalonde (Christopher) and great grandchildren Danica and Lauren Wagantall, Natalie and Ehva Lalonde. He is also fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 14, 2025, at 1 pm at the Pleasant Valley Funeral Home, Vernon, BC. Please contact Louanne if you would like to attend by Zoom.