Edmund "Mel" Malcolm Parkinson

Edmund Malcolm Parkinson known as Mel Parkinson to all, born December 18, 1948 in Bentley, AB, lived a full and charitable life until passing on March 11, 2026 in Edmonton, AB, at the age of 77. He and his loving wife Pat created a devoted family of two sons, Darren (Heather), Blain (Katie), five grandsons, Dylan, Zachary, Joshua, Nathan, Tristan, and four step grandchildren, Avery, Fiona, Luke, and Liam.

Mel is also survived by his sister Deb Ruff, his brothers and sisters in law, Gail Harper, Karen Morrison (Gord), Rick Harper, Randy Harper, Bob Harper, and several nieces and nephews. Mel was predeceased by Gordon and Betty Parkinson (parents), Chris Parkinson (brother), Bill and Kathy Harper (parents-in-law), and Mel Ruff (brother-in-law).

Mel grew up as a military brat on bases in Germany, Wainwright, and Edmonton. Mel went to grade school in Wainwright, AB, and moved to Edmonton and attended high school on the Griesbach base where he met Pat in 10th grade. Since they were at two different schools, Pat would skip her last period to meet Mel at his school to ride home with him every day on his bus.

Mel and Pat were married on June 20, 1970 (the first time!) until 1987. They rekindled their romance and remarried on May 4, 1996 until Mel’s passing. Mel and Pat started their family in 1975 with the birth of their first son Darren, with Blain arriving two years later. They were blessed with five grandsons in seven years, starting in 2000. Seventeen years later, they welcomed four step grandchildren to the family. Family was always Mel’s greatest pride even though, as you can imagine with all boys, it got a bit hairy at times. Mel and Pat had three beloved dogs over the years: two cockapoos, both named Buffy, and Mel’s favorite, Harley.

Mel had a few jobs in his lifetime, including delivering beer at a young age in Germany (acquiring a taste for it as well) and pursuing millwrighting at one point. He finally found his home at Sears Canada, starting in the automotive department in 1973 and moving his way up to Senior Management. He spent 35 years with Sears, turning many of his colleagues into lifelong friends, retiring in 2008. In retirement, Mel and his childhood friend Bill (also retired), started a painting and renovation business together which gave them a platform to help others, and bicker at each other at the same time.

Mel’s retirement years were spent giving back. He dedicated his days to volunteering for Angels Anonymous Connection and serving as a board member for several years. He was the snow angel of the cul-de-sac they lived in for several years, snow blowing everyone’s driveway after each snowfall and being there for the neighbors in any way he could. In his later years, he was a dedicated volunteer at Edmonton’s Food Bank which he absolutely loved doing. He also volunteered at The Rock Outreach program, serving breakfast to those in need. At each of these places he collected more cherished friends. He also spent time babysitting his grandsons, creating many wonderful memories with family.

Mel and Pat travelled together with friends and family to Mexico, Costa Rica, some Caribbean Cruises, Disney World, and houseboating. Mel took a memorable trip back to Germany with Darren and Blain in 2015 and a trip to New York with Pat in 2018. They took many trips to Toronto to visit Blain and his family, including one memorable cross Canada road trip, taking their grandson Zachary with them for the first half of the trip. Mel loved being outdoors, enjoying several hiking and canoeing trips in BC and to the Grand Canyon with close friends.

Family and friends were not only important to Mel, they were everything! Well, them and the Edmonton Oilers!

Please consider honouring Mel’s memory with a donation to:

The Angels Anonymous Connection

www.angelsanonymous.org

or

Edmonton’s Food Bank

www.edmontonsfoodbank.com

A Memorial Service of Mel will be held at Memories Funeral Home, 13403 St. Albert Trail, Edmonton, AB on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 1pm. This service will be livestreamed. A link to the livestream will be available at the time of service using the "Join Livestream" link under the "Services" heading below.