Dominic Douglas (Dom) Parker
Toronto, d. 16.September.2013,
murdered.
PARKER, Dominic Douglas (Dom) - 45 years young and a fiercely proud
"Beacher", Dom lived the dream until September 16, 2013 when he was
taken from us far too suddenly. In a lifetime filled with adventure,
he was a 48th Highlander, bicycle courier, film worker and a
firefighter with the Markham Fire Department. Dominic also had a
love of fishing, hunting and piloting his Zodiac in and around
Toronto harbour and at "The Farm". His infectious smile and way with
words warmed the hearts of all he came into contact with. Dominic
will be forever cherished by his high school sweetheart and wife of
23 years, Zilla, his beautiful daughters Ryla and Brenna, mother
Anella Parker- Martin, brothers Simon Parker, Adrian (Gus) Martin
and the legions of friends he gathered during his lifetime. A
funeral service celebrating Dominic's life will take place on
Friday, September 20, 2013 at 4 p.m. (Public seating at 3:15 p.m.)
at The Bridge, 5440 16th Ave., Markham, Ontario. Reception to follow
at Balmy Beach Club at 6:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider
a donation to The Nature Conservancy of Canada or Earthroots.
Arrangements in the care of SHERRIN FUNERAL HOME, Toronto,
416-698-2861. Online guestbook at: www.sherrinfuneral.ca "The Lord
hates a coward" - Dominic Parker
Markham firefighter dies after unprovoked stabbing
Family struggling to deal with unprovoked attack on Dominic Parker,
a former member of the military reserves.
By: Jane Gerster
Toronto Star, September 16, 2013
Dominic Parker was kind, funny and a “real Toronto guy.”
When the 45-year-old Markham firefighter called his family to say
goodnight on Friday, it was the last time.
Only hours later, police say, Parker was stabbed in the head without
provocation while sitting in a Middle Eastern restaurant near
Coxwell and Danforth Aves. His wife and two daughters were in
Montreal, said family friend and now designated spokesperson, Jay
Michaels. They were busy moving into the girls’ new residence at
Concordia University for their first year.
But instead of starting university life, Michaels said, the girls
came home, staying by their father’s side all weekend. Parker never
regained consciousness before dying on Monday.
Nabil Huruy, 23, of Toronto, appeared in court Sunday facing charges
of attempted murder, carrying a dangerous weapon and two counts of
carrying a concealed weapon. Those charges have since been upgraded
to first-degree murder. A second court appearance is still being
scheduled.
The tight-knit family is struggling to deal with what happened and
doesn’t want to speak, Michaels said, adding that Parker lived for
his wife and daughters. Michaels met the family more than a decade
ago when they moved into the Beach neighbourhood. His kids became
friends with Parker’s girls.
“We became friends through them,” Michaels said. “He was, I think,
the best.”
Parker made a habit of enjoying the city, he said, cycling all
around the city and boating around the harbour.
“His favourite quote was, ‘I’m living the dream,’” Michaels said.
“He was probably the most full-of-life person I’ve ever met, just an
infectious energy and zest for life. He loved to travel, loved to
fish, loved to hunt.”
Parker became a firefighter four years ago, after first working as a
bike courier and serving with the 48th Highlanders, a reserve unit
of the Canadian military in Toronto.
Walter Brinston, president of the Markham Professional Firefighters
Association, said the association wouldn’t be commenting, since the
family has asked that all communications go through Michaels.
On Monday, the Highlanders’ Facebook page was filled with
condolences, memories and tributes to Parker from comrades “gutted”
by the news.
“It was like yesterday,” wrote Ying Louie. “I still remember the day
we ran in the bush and there was (Parker) … green bandana on his
head looking like a navy seal. Sorry, and will miss him. Dominic if
your (sic) listening know I won’t forget you.”
“The world is a much poorer place with your passing,” wrote Ed
Blakely
