With a mix of sadness and gratitude for a well-lived life, we share the news of the passing of our family patriarch, Gordon Parks, who left us on November 11, 2024, at the grand age of 101. He slipped away peacefully, surrounded by his family at PECM Hospital. Gord inspired all who met him, living his long life to the fullest. Born on July 27, 1923, to Oscar and Gladys (Taylor) Parks, Gord enjoyed a childhood filled with the strong work ethic he developed while working on his parents’ dairy farm. Gord honed his goalie hockey skills from his older brothers, who made him play goalie so they could shoot pucks at him. He had a serious tryout for the Peterborough Petes hockey team in his teens. While there, he worked at GE, making 2.5 cents per hour and paying much of that for his room and board. He decided he would rather farm and moved back to the county. In his early years, he took up flying and earned his pilot’s license. After marrying Reta Adams, they lived in his mother’s family home (Taylor Farm) and commuted in the winter by horse and sleigh.
Gord and Reta later purchased the farm known as Parksvue Farms, where they raised their three children: Dorothy, Marlene, and Gary. They worked hard to build up an excellent purebred dairy herd. With his expertise in dairy cattle, he travelled around North America, helping to purchase Holstein Bulls for Eastern Breeders. In 1983, Gord and Reta moved off the farm to enjoy their retirement years. Gord was an avid golfer and played on courses throughout North America and Europe. They wintered in Florida, taking advantage of year-round golf, bridge matches, and social events with their large group of friends. Gord shared a special bond with his older brother, Ross. The two spent many years playing golf and engaging in lively debates, often switching sides to keep the argument going. They were well-known by all the car dealerships in the area as they would spend days test-driving cars and never agreeing on which cars were better. Gord had a passion for flowers, particularly roses, which he spent hours tending to in his gardens. He cultivated flowers, vegetables, and fruits and even grew some tomato plants on his balcony this past summer. At the age of 101, with a valid driver’s license, he still enjoyed many “crop tours” to ensure everything was satisfactory on the farm. The family was of utmost importance to Gord. He is preceded in death by his wife, Reta (d. 1994), with whom he shared 49 years of marriage; his partner, Rita Thompson (d. 2011), with whom he spent 16 years; his daughter, Marlene Campbell (d. 2016); and his infant daughter, Brenda (d. 1956). He is also preceded in death by his brothers Ross (d. 2021) and Douglas (d 1992), as well as his sister Jean Ann McConkey (Parks) (d. 2000). He carried a part of each of their hearts with him. Gord leaves behind a legacy that will live on in the memories of his cherished family. He is lovingly remembered by his partner of 13 years, Carol Wood, and the Wood family. His commitment to family is reflected in his children, Dorothy (Terry Cobus), Marlene Campbell (Parks) and Gary (Nancy, nee Boos) He is survived by nine grandchildren and their spouses, as well as seventeen great-grandchildren: Dan Cobus (July, Hunter, Greyson), Tom Cobus (Layla, Lakyn), Jamie Cobus (Blake, Brock), Kyle Cobus (Grace, Sophia), Ginny Taylor (née Campbell) (Charlotte, Noah), Chris Campbell (Tavish, Beckett, Aniston, Jovie), Mike Campbell (Liam), Kolby Parks, and Krisha De Lellis (née Parks) (Elliot).
The family is deeply grateful to Dr. Steve Blanchard and all the PEC Memorial Hospital’s emergency department and inpatient unit staff. Their expertise, compassion, and dignity in caring for Gord and our family provided much-needed comfort and support during this difficult time. Gord served as Deputy Reeve for County Council and was appointed to the Prince Edward Hospital Board from 1958 to 1961 to support the construction of the new and present Picton Hospital, which opened in 1959. He greatly endorsed the replacement of this hospital and was keen to see its completion. In keeping with his hopes for a new hospital, the family requests that donations be made to “Back the Build” or the Wellington United Church in place of flowers. Although Gord may have left this world, his love and spirit will forever be a part of us, guiding us with cherished memories and reminding us to live life to the fullest with purpose and integrity. Visitation was held on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, from 6–8 p.m. at Ainsworth Funeral Home, 288 Noxon Avenue, Wellington. A Celebration of Life service was held on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Wellington United Church. A luncheon will follow the service. Private family interment Wellington Cemetery.
Online condolences may be shared at www.ainsworthfuneralhome.com