John (Jack) Aubrey Parmelee

Died peacefully and well loved at Perley Health in Ottawa.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 71 years Ruth (Bounsall), his 4 children, Jennifer (John Thomas), Susan (David Fagan), James (Beth Tremblay) and Paul (Kim Restivo), 10 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren and his devoted sister Anne Marie. He was predeceased by his parents Charles Aubrey and Mary Ethel (Lumsden) and sister Shirley Parmelee White.

Jack was raised in Ottawa, spending glorious summers with extended family at his grandfather’s cottage at Marshall’s Bay, east of Arnprior.  It was here he learned the fine art of calling and feeding the ‘chippies’ peanuts from his pants pocket, a tradition he passed on to his own children and grandchildren.  He loved all sports, participating on school teams throughout high school, and venturing up to the Gatineau by train to ski the trails, returning by bus to Wrightville at the end of day. Jack loved the Ottawa Valley, spending one pivotal summer working as a farmer’s hand on the Kirk farm near Douglas. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Air Force and trained as a bomb aimer until his release towards the end of hostilities.

Jack’s next adventure was studying plant pathology at McDonald College (McGill), after which he started work at the Department of Agriculture in 1949. A year later he married his dear, lovely Ruth and the 2 of them moved to Toronto where he would pursue a Masters degree in Mycology under H.S. Jackson.  Money was scarce and entertainment consisted of sharing a hotdog while walking the streets of Toronto. Jack was a devoted father and in 1961, with family in tow, he interrupted his career at the Department of Agriculture and returned to Toronto to earn his PhD under Roy F. Cain. After earning his PhD he returned to his career as a Research Scientist at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. He was a dedicated mycology researcher, he was proud to serve his country and conducted valuable work on obligate parasitic fungi especially Gymnosporangium. His research brought an important contribution to agriculture in Canada and throughout the world and resulted in many research publications. He spent many summers travelling the High Arctic and its islands plus many of the National Parks across the country. He was Curator of the Canadian National Mycological Herbarium until his retirement in 1987 after which he continued to work as an Honorary Research Associate until he reached the age of 90. He was highly respected by the scientific community and known both nationally and internationally. He leaves a legacy of valuable agricultural research and shared knowledge with colleagues and students which will contribute to the advancement of research and the betterment of his country he loved so much.

Jack loved his wife, he loved his family and he loved gravy. His unique fashion sense ran to suspenders and bow ties. He loved to stand at the piano and sing while Ruth played. He loved to dress up as Santa Claus, invent and organize party games, spend time in his work shop and sit by the lake at his cottage. He was a humble man with a quiet and constant integrity. Jack made life long friends wherever he went.  He left many happy memories behind and we will miss him.

The family would like to thank everyone who cared for him so thoughtfully and with respect at the Perley, the staff on R1S and in particular, his personal sitter Ashley who became a loved companion and helped him enjoy every possible minute even during Covid. We are in your debt.

Interment has taken place at Beechwood Cemetery. If desired, memorial donations to the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.