Thomas Corbett Parker

It is with great sadness and much love that we say goodbye to a beloved husband and father, Thomas (Tom) Parker, who passed away peacefully with his daughter by his side, on August 12, 2022, at the age of 87 years, after a brief illness.

Tom was born in Castor, AB and spent his formative years in Edmonton and Hanna, AB. After high school he attended the University of Alberta earning his Bachelor of Science and his Bachelor of Education. He worked in the oil and gas industry where he met Kathleen (Kathy) Spilde. They were married June 18, 1960. After living briefly in Winnipeg, MB they settled in Edmonton and welcomed daughter Susan.

Tom switched careers in the sixties and became a teacher, first at the high school level at McNally High School and then at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) where he taught chemistry and eventually became the head of the Chemistry Department during his tenure. During his time at NAIT, the halls of academia called once again, and Tom returned to the U of A and earned his Masters in Education.

Then in 1980 he chose a new career utilizing his chemistry background, working as Technical Fuels Specialist with Imperial Oil Limited. The family moved to Toronto, ON for five years but returned to Edmonton where Tom finished out his career with Imperial Oil.

Upon retiring, Tom and Kathy enjoyed life, camping in their Westfalia camper, their many trips to Maui and multiple cruises as they travelled the world.

Tom will be remembered for his love of jazz music and playing his trumpet, as well as his passion for education and willingness to impart knowledge to those who sought it.

He will be lovingly remembered by his daughter Susan (Duane); brother-in-law Garry (Michelle) and brother-in-law LeRoy (Bev) as well as many cousins, nephews, nieces, extended family, and friends.

Tom was predeceased by his parents, Clyde Wilson and Agnes Parker, brother Donald and his loving wife Kathy.

We wish to express our gratitude to the staff at the University of Alberta Hospital for the kindness, compassion and care they showed Tom in his last days.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Tom’s memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.