DONALD RODNEY PARR

Born on July 25th, 1932 and raised in Moose Jaw, SK,  Donald Rodney Parr passed away at the age of 91 years on Monday, August 28th, 2023.  The second of four boys born to Hans and Daisy Parr, Don was truly his father’s son – compassionate, quiet, unassuming, and very organized; a trait that was shared with all his brothers.  He was not known to be a good singer (tone deaf in fact) but he sang out to the best of his ability in church.

Don grew up on Wolfe Ave and attended Ross School, followed by Moose Jaw Technical High School (now Peacock) to Grade 10.  He joined the Canadian Pacific Railway (CP Rail) at age 17, starting off delivering telegrams by bicycle (oddly enough, sometimes these were singing telegrams) and worked his way up through the office to the position of Yard Master, managing the movement of trains in the rail yard.  He passed up a few opportunities for promotions that would have required a move away from Moose Jaw and the family and friends that were so dear to him.

Prior to meeting and marrying Donna, Don was very active in Moose Jaw Fastball and managed the Moose Jaw Memorial Field, which is where Donna first laid eyes on him and said to her best friend, “See that guy? I’m going to marry him.”, and the rest is history.

In his 40s, Don went back to Peacock and obtained his Grade 12.  He then went on to the University of Regina and obtained a diploma in Business Management.  He concluded his 39 year career at CP Rail at the age of 57.

In retirement, Don’s favorite past-times were watching the Blue Jays and playing golf with his brother Gord and friends Frank Fish and Russ Martinson.  He enjoyed a hole-in-one at the Hillcrest Golf Course, which was likely a complete surprise, and he happily paid the ‘fee’ in the club house.

Following the passing of his son John in 1982, Don joined the First Baptist Church, where he found support and faith.  His friends and fellow congregation members played a key role in his life and supported him to the time of his passing.  

A special thank-you to Pastor Scott Elger and his wife Elsie, and close friends Glen and Bev Rousell, for their support during his final hours.  The staff at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital are to be commended for their excellent care; particularly, Kirsten (ER nurse), Dr. Pilon, and the nurses on the third floor, where he passed away.  They fully supported the family and Don during his final days.

He was predeceased by his mother, Daisy; father, Hans; son, John; his brothers and their wives, George (Marion) and Gord (Maxine); brother, Gary; brother-in-law, Russell (Butch) Green; and sister-in-law, Joann Osterberg.  Don will be very much missed by his wife of 61 years, Donna; daughter, Barbara and her partner Claudia; sisters-in-law, Marlene Parr and Lorraine Green; brother-in-law, Wolf Osterberg; nephew, Mark (Julie) Parr; nephews, Robert Parr and Gary Osterberg; nieces, Sandra Osterberg, Michelle Green, Paula Stockdale, and Diane Jeffery; ‘the cousins’ and friends.

The Funeral Service will be held on Friday, September 8th, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. in Moose Jaw Funeral Home.  Pastor Scott Elger will officiate and interment will take place in Rosedale Cemetery.  Those not able to attend may view the service virtually by going to www.moosejawfuneralhome.com/webcast/.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Don’s name may be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan, 100-119 14 Street NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 or the First Baptist Church Missions, 1010 Main St N, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 3K8.  Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  Andrew Pratt, Funeral Director 306-693-4550