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.
Livre de visiteurs
Terry and Mike Callaghan
Nancy and Jim Emery
Sincere condolences to all of the family.
Sandra Parmelee
Jack used to call me his brown haired beauty until I dyed my hair blonde! What a warm loving father in law. Loved his family and cherished his wife. Such fond memories and stories at family dinners and visits. A fun loving grandpa to our kids. Such a sharp scientific mind. I will miss him dearly but carry him in my heart forever.
Grant Kimmons
Jack Parmelee will forever be remembered by the children growing up on Cline Cresc as a wonderful guy who would coordinate and oversee all sorts of simple but fun outdoor games and competitive events that all could enjoy. From potato sack and other unique races to "catch the falling mop handle" when your number was called, all the neighborhood kids had an absolute hoot! And this went on for years.
As a next door neighbor Jack taught me the meaning of the word "organization". He would invite me into his basement workshop to look for some obscure nut or bolt to fix a bike or toy and it was like entering a new world order for me. Everything was so meticulously organized, placed, positioned and otherwise categorized up the ying-yang, that I could hardly believe it. And yes, Jack would usually find what you needed straight away without any fanfare.
Jack was a very easygoing, fair, and kind man but wasn't to be messed with either as I found out one winter when i beaned him good with a snowball. I can still hear his words echoing down on me in a low baritone voice: "HERE, HERE NOW....Go stick your head in the snow bank as punishment." I respected Jack, knew I'd done wrong so without hesitation complied with his demand. When I came up for air I could see a slight grin on his face and knew he had forgiven me.
Our deepest sympathies and condolences to Ruth, Jennifer, Susan, Jamie, Paul and the entire Parmelee family. May Jack rest in peace.
Luc and Michele Mougeot
We have the fondest memories of Jack telling us of his agronomy adventures. Luc was always impressed that after all those years he still carried his mono magnifying glass cuz Luc always has his on him. Our deepest condolences.
Gail Linscott
My deepest condolences to the Parmelee family.
Scott Redhead (current Curator, National MYcological Herbarium)
Jack Parmelee was a respected and revered colleague and friend, whom I knew for nearly 50 years. He was gracious and almost fatherly to young researchers and assistants within the department. Following retirement, he volunteered not just to continue his own research but to contribute passing on information, particularly on rust fungi, to younger generations. Much of the legacy in and round the National Mycological Herbarium is the result of his mentoring and care and far-reaching explorations of Canada. I miss his friendship, chats, and sage advice, and often a gentle chuckle when he recollected some incident or person. He also showed deep respect for the generations that preceded him in mycology and plant pathology, within the department, and internationally. Each herbarium cabinet had had fixed to it laminated photographs of historic taxonomists, each placed there by Jack to remind us of our legacy. And fun - Christmas parties in the Saunders building would not have been the same without you. Thank you Jack, and take care on your journey.
Miao Liu
Jack is a great mycologist, a good mentor and with a nice sense of humor. He is deeply missed.
Blyth Robertson
My deepest sympathy to Ruth and the family. When walking in the woods and seeing an interesting mushroom I'd think, Jack could identify that for me.
Wendy & Mike Boroczki
Dear Ruth and Family:
Jack was a gentle soul who loved his family, cottage and career. He worked long after his "retirement", a true testament to what he was made of.
My heart goes out to Susan, who has been a life-long friend, and know that she will miss her father terribly.
Sending our thoughts , prayers and deepest condolences to all the Parmelee family.