Patricia (Pat) Parker passed away peacefully on August 31, 2017 at the age of 84, following several years of declining health followed by a brief illness. She is survived by her husband Keith A. Parker, of Elora, and her children Robert Mank and his wife Grace, of Cambridge, her daughter Pamela Mank and friend George Rupert, of Kitchener, David Parker and his wife Margaret, of Belwood, and Philip Parker and his wife Donna, of Rockwood. Pat was predeceased by her parents Robert (Bob) and Marie Nesbitt, of Kitchener.
Pat was a third generation Kitchener native. In her early years, she enjoyed outdoor life - especially swimming - at Woodside pool or on the beach at her parent’s cottage on Nottawasaga Bay. Pat attended the first female summer camp at Wabanaki, the original YMCA Kitchener camp at Honey Harbour.
As an adult, Pat spent several summers as the Aquatic Director at other summer camps. She was a swimming instructor at Breithaupt Centre for many years where she especially loved teaching adult beginners, proving that nobody was too old to have fun, while acquiring a valuable skill.
Pat was cherished by Keith to whom she was married for 33 years. Together, they established a wide circle of friends both in Canada and the United States. For over 20 years Pat and Keith spent winters at their home in Surprise, Arizona. Each year they looked forward to connecting with their fellow “snowbirds”. They also travelled extensively worldwide – a family adage says that Pat was always capable of finding a fellow KCI graduate wherever they went.
At home, Pat was blessed by the kindness of many friends and neighbours and was grateful for their support.
Cremation has taken place. In keeping with Pat’s wishes, there will be no funeral service or visitation. Interment will be at Woodland Cemetery, in Kitchener.
Donations in memory of Pat Parker can be made to St. Andrew’s Church, Fergus, Ontario.