Kenneth (Ken) Lloyd Parks, resident of Pioneer Lodge in Grande Prairie, AB, passed away on Tuesday, August 25, 2015 at QEII Hospice Palliative Care Unit, at the age of 86 years.

Ken was born on March 2, 1929 in Grande Prairie, AB and was raised east of Rycroft, AB, in the Prestville area. He began work in the Grande Prairie area at the age of 15. His love was truck driving and mechanics, and eventually built up his own trucking company in the Rainbow Lake, AB area. From there he came back to Grande Prairie as a business owner in a steel business.

Prior to his return to Grande Prairie a little over 5 years ago, he lived in Vernon, B.C. for 30 years, with the love of his life, Joyce, until her passing. He had many friends in both Alberta and B.C. and will be greatly missed. He is remembered most as being a kind and gentle man. His lodge mates remember him as a gentleman, who regularly spoke to as many people as possible, on his way out of the dining room after every meal – a little wave here, a smile there. His care givers have talked about “Buckshot” with us and have said the “place will not be the same without him”.

Some of the memories his granddaughters have are his love of babies. His grand and great-grandbabies were his pride and joy. Because he was surrounded by 9 granddaughters, he loved the visits by the grandsons in-law, where he could share his entertaining stories about his early work life and talk man stuff. He is fondly remembered as always fixing and working on things, and the wine making skills he developed with grandma. Many, many people have commented on remembering his strong grip, right to the end. His hand shake was his word and who he was. There is a never ending list of memories, including his mischievous grin, playing cards with grandma and “Honey Nut” cornflakes. He often ended his phone calls with “Love you lots and lots and lots”. We love you lots and lots and lots Dad, Papa, Grandpa and Papa Parks.

He will be sadly missed by his sister Shirley (Harvey); son Rodney; daughter Trudy; son in-law Ron; granddaughters: Tammy (Devin), Brenda (Greg), Lindsay (Cory), Christine (Rickie), Daelynn (John), Jesse (Jon), Hannah, Melissa (John) and Tiffany; 26 great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife Joyce; son Clifford; daughter Janet; daughter in-law Kathy; parents Percival and Evelyn; brothers: Ivan, John and Teddy; and sisters: Helen, Loreen and Margaret.

A Graveside gathering will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to the QEII Hospital Foundation – Palliative Care Unit 5North (10409 98 St. Grande Prairie, AB T8V 2E8).