The family of William Henry (Hank) Parks grieve his passing on August 13, 2013. Born on April 10, 1917 Hank had 96 years to share his passion for his family, teaching and life. Raised in Hamilton Ontario, he worked as a Welder for Westinghouse after serving in the Air force during WW2. In 1957 he moved his family to Kingston to become a vocational teacher (Rehab Officer) in the penal system. He brought his family to Thunder Bay to accept a teaching post in 1965 then to Dryden in 1967 to accept the Shop Director’s post at Dryden High.
He was an avid fisherman, golfer, wrestling coach (for which he was elected the NWO Sports Hall of Fame) and world traveller. (Australia, England, Scotland, Spain, Gibraltar and Tucson Arizona) This last destination became his winter home. His passion for life and fellow man was reflected in his service work with Rotary, Masonic Lodge his Church and The Legion.
Hank was pre deceased in 2000 by his first wife Margaret Annabel (nee Corbett), and earlier by his parents Roland Girning and Alice May Parks, and brothers Alfie, Roland, and Victor.
He is survived by his current wife Margaret Jane (nee Loutzenheiser), son Fred (Irene), daughters Janet (Earl) Wood, Annetta (Mike) Glowacki and Elizabeth (Doug) Horn, sister Alice Stoneman and brother Girning Parks, 11 grandchildren, and 21 great grandchildren.
Hank will not only be missed by his family but by all those whose life he touched as a Rotarian, Legionnaire, Shrine/Mason, and most of all teacher/coach.
As per Hanks wishes there will be no visitation as cremation has taken place.
A Mason service to be held on Friday August 16th, 2013 at 7pm at the Dryden Community Funeral Home chapel.
A Memorial service with an honour guard will be held Saturday, August 17th, 2013 at 11am at the First United Church with Pastor Hewitt Holmes officiating.
Interment of ashes will be held at later date.
If friends so desire, donations may be made to the DRHC Room Refurbishing or the United Church through the Dryden Community Funeral Home 249 Grand Trunk Ave., Dryden, ON P8N 2X3
Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to dcfh@drytel.net Subject heading: Parks
