Obituary of Richard PARKEN

We mourn our brilliant, eccentric and loving brother, Richard. Although we are very sad to see him depart our world, we are also very happy to have been by his side throughout his journey Our big brother was the first born of the five children of Doreen and Harold Parken. Richard has always been a performer. His interest in drama began in junior high and by high school he had acted in a television sit-com and had won a prestigious scholarship to the Stratford Theatre School. We were convinced he was destined to become a famous actor. Instead Richard took a surprisingly sharp left turn and joined the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. His career took another unexpected but interesting turn when he was seriously injured while training for motorcycle duty in Vancouver. After recovering, Richard joined the Identification Unit and then went on to become a crown prosecutor and there found a true calling. Sergeant Richard Parken was transferred to the RCMP Depot in Regina where he taught law to young recruits. After several years in Regina, he was seconded to a United Nations mission to Uganda where he worked to establish a civilian police force following the civil war which ended the rule of Idi Amin. This experience had a life-long impact on him. Richard returned to Regina and resumed teaching law at the RCMP Depot following which, he was convinced by a very good friend to leave the RCMP for a political life with the Saskatchewan Government. He served firstly as the Chief Of Staff for a cabinet minister and then as Principal Secretary to the Saskatchewan Agent General in London, England. Richard left England and took up a position as a prosecutor with the Alberta courts, first in Edmonton and then transferring to Calgary where he remained until his retirement six months ago. Richard had a fabulous sense of humour, a keen and inquisitive mind but most of all, he was a very compassionate man. He loved being in court, he loved the law, astronomy, his family and friends and we loved him. Richard leaves behind his sister, Bev Longstaff (Joe Struck); brothers Mac (Diane) and Darold; sister Laura (Brian); nephews Alexander, Conrad and Fred (Sylvia); nieces Katherine, Mackenzie, Bharbara and Emily (John); best friends Jan and Al Nicholson, along with other dear friends, colleagues and extended family. Richard was predeceased by his father and mother, Harold and Doreen, and by his sister-in-law Barb. We will miss you terribly, Rick, although you will forever be in our hearts. Straight ahead now dear brother – no more left turns. A Celebration of Richard’s life will be held Saturday, October 17 from 2-4pm at the Calgary Golf and Country Club, 909 - 50th Avenue SW. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Lung Cancer Research Initiative at the University of Calgary. Donations may be made by phone (403-210-3964) or by cheque payable to the University of Calgary c/o Fund Development Office, HSC G302, 3330 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1.