David Thomas Rockley Parker
David Thomas Rockley Parker, Q.C., - 70, Truro. A devoted husband, loving son, guiding father, jokester grandpapa, loyal brother, supportive uncle, honest friend and colleague, and a bit of a “codfish,” Dave passed away peacefully on March 5, 2017, with family by his side, loving and holding him.
“Big D” was born in Morrisburg, Ont., and grew up in St. Lambert, Que. His father put him on a train to Sackville, N.B., where he attended Mount A. There, he met his soulmate, Ronda Lake, starred on the football team, acquired a BA and B. Ed., and forever became a proud Mountie.
He then studied law at UNB. He began his law career in St. John’s, NL, immersing himself into the large and loving Lake and Hutton family for many years. He later moved his family to Truro where he balanced a career of practicing law in his family home, teaching law at CEC and adjudicating at the Nova Scotia Small Claims Court. He helped many people throughout his career and was widely respected in the legal community.
Dave loved the rivers in life and to go with the flow. He built his “river” paradise on the bank of the Stewiacke River where he perfected how to be still with nature. He held compassion and kindness to the highest regard – a gentleman and a gentle man. He had an easy smile and a kind word for all who were fortunate to meet him.
Dave’s moral compass, his infectious giggle, his positive outlook, and his perseverance have given us reasons for being.
Dave is survived by his wife and best friend, Ronda Louise Parker (Lake); children, Laura, David “DS” (Jacqueline) and Victoria; grandsons, Jacob, William and Thomas; father, Thomas Parker; sisters, Donna and Megan (Gerry); mother-in-law, Robin Lake; the Hutton family and so many friends and colleagues.
Dave was predeceased by his mother, Beverly Parker and fatherin-law, Harold Lake.
“Big D” embraced his emotions and never held back his happy tears while enjoying life’s simplest moments, especially his profound chats with Laura Michelle, his daily discussions about law and life with avid Spencer, and listening to Victoria’s angelic singing. And above all, the many decades of walks with Ronda along Siesta Key beach.
A gathering of love and support for all friends and family will be held at Dave and Ronda’s home at 78 King Street, Truro, on Saturday, March 11, 2017, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date at the river. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome in the honour of Dave to Prostate Cancer of Canada and Colchester East Hants Health Centre Foundation.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young St., Truro. Private messages of condolences may be sent to the family by viewing Dave’s obituary online and selecting “Send A Condolence” at www.mattatallvarnerfh.com
We will see you in the twinkling stars, in the songs of Willie Nelson, in the fish swimming in the rivers of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, in the glowing sunsets at Siesta Dunes, and in our dreams. You are always with us while we “Bash on.” Peace.