Kenneth James Parkes

With a heavy heart, I share the passing of Kenneth James Parkes of Shawnigan Lake, BC. Ken was born in Winnipeg and attended Our Lady of Victory Catholic School, Dalhousie, Pembina Crest, Churchill High and Trade School.

He arrived on Vancouver Island when he was a teenager to live with his dad. He graduated from Cowichan High.

Ken is predeceased by his father Ken, who passed at the early age of 40. He is survived by his mother Donna, of Shawnigan Lake; his brother Dan, of Winnipeg; and many family members in Winnipeg. He is also survived by his three sons: Joshua and Tyler of Duncan, Brandon of Yellowknife and relatives in Duncan.

Ken was very talented in his Trades. He was a master carpenter, a creative master tile setter, and skilled in all types of flooring installation and concrete foundation building. He once traveled with a team of builders to China to build houses. He framed many high-end houses in the Cowichan Valley and area. He was very proud of his three sons, who inherited his hard work ethics.

Ken played team hockey in his youth. He loved to sing and perform at the Farmers Market and the Legion. He was a good cook and especially loved to create tasty pizza.

Unfortunately, Ken suffered from depressive mental illness and later a neurocognitive disorder. His life turned sorrowfully painful due to demons of shame, remorse, and loneliness. His mental illness took him over and his neurocognitive disorder ended his life.

Ken’s travel companion and best friend, Dallas, his Rottweiler dog, is safe at home with Ken’s mother Donna, and her three husky dogs. Dallas has become the leader of the pack.

A family service and Catholic Mass will be held in Winnipeg, where Ken was born and raised and home to many family members who loved him.

Tunes chosen for his passing include Born to Be Bad by George Thorogood and Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney, which was played at his father’s memorial in Winnipeg. Their souls will now connect.

It would be a kindness to donate in his name to the Food Bank – Cowichan Valley Basket Society or the Salvation Army in Duncan, under his “Movement to help the elderly and young working-class families”.

A heartfelt thanks to Duncan Paramedics, RCMP Constable Colton Wiebe and Constable Moss, and the coroner who attended to Ken.

Ken’s last message to everyone was to “stand straight and hold your head up and keep your titties straight”. (Something that his father would have said.)

Rest in peace, Kenny.