It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Neal Parker, peacefully, at the Ottawa Civic Hospital on September 27th, after a courageous battle with leukemia.
Predeceased by his mother Barbara (nee Hodges), Neal is survived by his father James (1935 - ), his wife Margaret Clark, as well as his daughter Emilie, son Eric, stepdaughter Hannah, stepson James, brother John (Diane Sekula), sister Heather (Peter Gastle), nephew Aaron (Sydnye Pilon) and nieces Sarah and Alexandra.
From a young age, Neal had a keen interest in how things worked. Unsurprisingly, this brought him to earn degrees in Mechanical Engineering at Queen’s University, first a BSc85, and later an MSc87.
He had a successful and varied career as a mechanical and acoustical engineer at both private and public corporations such as De Havilland, MDS, Lockheed, Nortel and DragonWave, and, finally with Public Works.
Neal’s love of the outdoors was part of his DNA. A family cottage at lake Manitou was one of his most cherished places. He was a happy camper and counselor at Camp Nominingue, QC. From the age of five, he sailed with his uncle, then later as a member of the Britannia Yacht Club on his boat, Lightfall, in Ottawa. He crewed many a race with his friends at the Nepean Sailing Club. Other activities included windsurfing, kayaking, canoe trips in Algonquin Park, downhill and cross-country skiing, skating on the Rideau Canal, and many long walks with his dog Nova. He was an avid cyclist, biking to work rain or shine, and taking part in many cycling trips for pleasure.
The importance of family was at Neal's core. He created annual traditions such as the Calumet cottage holiday, annual ski trips to Mont Blanc, and the much anticipated Parker Family Christmas calendar.
To bring the family together during the pandemic, Neal organized virtual family chats that continued long after lockdown.
Neal's creativity was evident in his many interests, including cooking, photography and music. He was also an imaginative storyteller, weaving tales that sounded so true, they were often believed! Due to his innate ability to fix and repair, everything he owned lasted far beyond its life expectancy.
Neal had a real interest in people. Though he easily made friends in all walks of life, the connection he had with his university friends lasted a lifetime and will forever be remembered through cottage weekends and Thursday “Ladies' Night”. Neal put his heart and soul into everything he did. In return, all who knew and loved him and were loved by him will be forever blessed.
The family would like to thank the team at the ICU of the Civic Campus, at TOH, for their unparalleled compassionate care, and the BMT team at the General Campus for their enduring care and support. A celebration of Life will take place at Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services (280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa), on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at 1:00 pm. Reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Camp Banting and/or the Canadian Cancer Society.
Digital Guestbook
Kai Gurholt
Dominique Dionne
Emilie, Eric, Margaret and family. I am deeply saddened by Neal's passing, as I know how important he was to you all. I hope that your cherished memories of him will bring you comfort and keep him close to your hearts. He will be missed.
David Bullen
As a colleague of Neal’s, I enjoyed our discussion about engineering/work as well as life away from the office. He always had interesting stories.
My deepest condolences to Neal’s friends, and family. I met Neal, through James, when we were in high school. First impressions last a life time, and I will always remember him for the kind, caring, funny man that he was — with such an amazing dog, Nova. It was obvious to me he and Margaret were very happy together. His impact on James and Hannah could not go unnoticed, either. He will be dearly missed.