May 20, 1947 - September 21, 2018
Ronald William Parlee, 71 years old of Maple Ridge, BC, passed away on September 21, 2018 in Abbotsford.
Born May 28, 1947 in Vancouver, to Lawrence and Rosemary (Morris), Ron excelled in athletics at Burnaby Central Secondary School alongside his twin brother, Thomas. Ron went on to be a carpenter/lather and was a member of the carpenters' union (now CMAW 1995) for over 35 years, working on projects all over the Lower Mainland. He had a love of sports and was an avid fan of the BC Lions and Vancouver Canucks, a minor football coach and a medalist in the Canada 55+ Games. He played the tuba in the Maple Ridge Concert Band and had a lifelong love of music. For over a decade, Ron was a devoted foster parent, providing unconditional love and support to the children in his care, including his long-term and special needs foster son, James Norris, who pre-deceased him.
Ron was stricken with the effects of early onset dementia in his early 60s and was supported in his final years by a circle of loving family members, particularly his first wife Leah McDermott, and was provided exceptional care by the staff at Maplewood House in Abbotsford. He will be deeply missed.
He is survived by his five children, Jason and Jenise (Chris) Paton from his first marriage, Forrest (Laura Hodgins), Myles and Cassandra (David Leibensperger) from his second marriage, his four grandchildren, Samara/Allendra, Reid, James and Rose, and siblings Sharon (Ted) Coven, Gary (Barbara Yeoell) and his twin brother, Thomas (Spence Hill).
A memorial will be held Wednesday, October 3rd at Maple Ridge Funeral Chapel, 11969 216th St. at 11 am.
