Barry Parker

With heartfelt love and gratitude, joy and sorrow, we say goodbye to a wonderful, caring, one-of-a-kind man.  Barry Parker, 78 years of age, who lived most of his life in London, Ontario, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 10, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Hospice, after bravely duking it out with Parkinson’s Disease and Dementia (PDD) for over 18 years.

Barry was utterly dedicated to his family. He is survived by his devoted wife and best friend, Andrea Baird, and his two adoring daughters, of whom he was immensely proud, Melora Parker and Raegan Fatouros (née Parker). Papa Bear will be lovingly remembered by his four grandchildren: Mia, Amelia, Parker, and Christian. Barry also leaves behind his sister Barbara Bird (née Parker), and her children: Grant, Cathy, Alan and Kevin. Barry will be greatly missed by his sister-in-law Linda and his sons-in-law: Nick, Peter, and Tom. He is also mourned by a large group of friends, too numerous to name, yet too important not to acknowledge, along with his extended family of dear nieces and nephews.

Born in North Bay, Ontario, Barry was the cherished son of the late Anita Parker (née Beauchesne) and the late Roland Parker. He was predeceased by his brothers Dougie and Bryan Parker and his brother-in-law Peter Bird.

After earning degrees from the University of Waterloo and McMaster University (MBA), Barry spent most of his career as a leading force at Sifton Properties Limited where he held the role of VP for almost 40 years. As a Chair, Barry applied his knowledge and leadership skills to assist several organizations, including Hutton House, Community Living London, The London Property Management Association and several other professional associations. He was a founding member of the Federation of Rental-Housing Providers of Ontario (FRPO). Barry also played an active role in the important development of housing legislation and regulations, lease development and many other aspects of Ontario’s housing industry. In 2005, Barry was awarded the London Mayor’s New Year’s Honours for his dedication to housing and the community.

Barry was a life-long athlete – cyclist, skier, long-distance runner, sailor, and boxer (KO-PD Boxing Team). In 2005, he cycled across Canada, from Vancouver to St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador, only finding out upon his return that the symptoms that plagued him during his trip were the beginnings of Parkinson’s Disease.  Once diagnosed, Barry did not stop his fitness regime and continued to be physically active, completing the Toronto Half Marathon many years after his Parkinson’s diagnosis.

Upon learning that he had PD, Barry wanted to bring more awareness to this debilitating disease and to support others afflicted with it. Along with his family and good friends, he raised over $180,000 for the Parkinson’s Society of Southwestern Ontario. Barry and his wife, Andrea, were PSSO volunteers and fundraisers during the past decade. Together with PSSO, Barry was a trailblazer in bringing boxing to the PD community in London, a game-changer in helping enhance the physical and mental health of boxing class participants.  Years later, this local program has evolved into Knockout-PD, overseen by Neuphysio’s coaches and volunteers, and continuing to grow steadily in popularity.

Barry was a lover of nature. He enjoyed his later years at the family cottage with family members and good friends on the shores of Lake Erie in Erieau. Barry had a sharp mind, a quick wit and a true interest in people’s lives. He was very determined, compassionate, and hard working, overcoming obstacles with grace and dignity.  His continuous positive outlook was an encouragement and inspiration to all.

As his final act of generosity, Barry has kindly donated his brain to the London Movement Disorders Centre Brain Bank (UH) for research into finding the causes and cures for Parkinson’s Disease.

Barry, we thank you for being a wonderful role model for all of us who knew and loved you.  We will love you, miss you, and will never forget you.  Your heroic spirit lives on within us.

A special thank you to the amazing team at St. Joseph’s Hospice: Trang Pham (Director of Care), Dr. Katarina Andrejevic, and the incredibly compassionate nursing staff and volunteers who collectively provided Barry and his family heartfelt care and comfort during his last days; OHAH’s Palliative Care Dr. B. Achtar and Team; and the many wonderful doctors and nurses who cared for Barry over the years: Dr. M. Jog, H. Russell (RN), and the entire Movement Disorder Team; Dr. B. Purcell; Dr. A. Burrell; Dr. A. Vasudev, Dr. K. Milne, Dr. C. Akanihu, and many others. We are forever grateful to Barry’s wonderful Paramed nurse, M. George; the devoted caregivers from Medical Priorities: Peace, Augustine, Winsome, and Camille; and the exceptional caregivers from Closing the Gap: Danielle and Eva. You all made a positive impact on Barry’s quality of life in his final days.

Cremation has taken place.  Interment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery in North Bay, where Barry will be laid to rest alongside his parents and brother Dougie.  Friends planning an expression of remembrance are asked to consider Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario: “Knockout-PD Classes”, McCormick Care Foundation: “Caregivers’ Support Groups”, Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners or St. Joseph’s Hospice, London.

For those who wish to honour Barry, a celebration of his incredible life will be held at Riverbend Golf Community Clubhouse, 1200 Sandy Somerville Dr, London, on Friday, May 9, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.