Patrick Anthony Parson

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mr. Patrick Anthony Parson, a visionary entrepreneur, passionate artist, and creative force who dedicated his life to the pursuit of art and innovation.

After a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer, Patrick passed away on November 20, 2024 at the age of 66 years old.

Born on October 26, 1958, in Five Rivers, Arouca, Trinidad and Tobago, to Viola Walcott and Patrick Parson Sr, Patrick discovered his love for dance at a young age. From his first steps, it was clear that he was destined for the stage. His elementary and junior years were spent at Richmond Street Boys School, then Barataria Junior Secondary. He furthered his education at Tranquility Secondary School before his passion for movement and expression led him to Toronto, Canada to pursue his artistic education. Patrick trained at the School of Toronto Dance Theatre, Ryerson University, George Brown College, and the University of Toronto. He holds a Masters Degree in Dance Ethnology from York University.

Patrick was recognized as a pioneer, founding a renowned dance company and school, Ballet Creole, which helped to transform the artistic landscape of dance and music in Canada. As a dancer, musician, choreographer, and teacher, Patrick touched the lives of countless individuals, inspiring them to see the world through ‘Diversity in Harmony’. He has been awarded for his dedication to the arts including from the Black Diamond Ball, African Caribbean Chamber of Commerce, Skills for Change, and Trinidad and Tobago Independence Day Association.

Through extensive studies at the Katherine Dunham Institute for Humanities, Patrick was awarded certification as a teacher of the Dunham Technique, which served as the cornerstone of training for the Ballet Creole School. He was the only certified Dunham practitioner in Canada.

His success, however, was never measured solely by his artistic achievements. Patrick was a mentor, an educator, and a constant source of inspiration. He took great pride in nurturing the talents of countless students and collaborators, encouraging them to find their own voice and take risks in both their artistry and their lives. His generosity, wisdom, and unwavering belief in the potential of others will be remembered by all who knew and learned from him. He found beauty in the most unexpected places, and he lived his life as a testament to the power of dreaming big.

Patrick is survived by his loving family, including his mother; Viola, his children; Gabriella, Mikhail, Natassia, Jeanne-Arlette, Richard and Zane, his grandchildren; Kayden, Matthias, Yaari, Keoni, Oyin, and Arya, his siblings; Theresa, Curtis, Cupid, Lisa, and Mauricia, and his large extended family: his many nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, and cousins, who were his greatest source of joy and support throughout his extraordinary journey. He also leaves behind a vast community of adopted family, colleagues, students, and friends whose lives he touched with his boundless creativity, passion, and drive.

May his spirit continue to dance, inspire, and innovate, forever leaving an imprint on the world.

The family wishes to thank the dedicated medical, nursing and supporting staff at the Humber River Cancer Care Clinic and the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.

Celebration of Patrick's Life will be held on Saturday December 7 from 3-6pm at the Nia Centre for the Arts, located at 524 Oakwood Ave. Toronto.

In lieu of flowers, we are accepting contributions to support the celebration and the family. E-transfers can be made to [email protected].