Darrel Parry, passed on Thursday, January 26, 2023, at Prairie Lake Hospice, at the age of 55 years, after a two-year battle with cancer.

Darrel was born on April 12, 1967, in Imperial, SK, grew up in Vancouver, BC, and in 1986 moved to Yellowknife, NT, where he met his wife of 30 years, Tina.

Darrel was an avid sportsman from an early age playing hockey, baseball, basketball, rugby, and soccer where he met and maintained life-long friendships. Darrel played on the NWT team at Arctic Winter games for hockey (defence), and Western Canadian Nationals for fastball (catcher). He dabbled in different careers over the years with a large focus on construction, building supplies, and oilfield.

His greatest joy was his two girls and his pets. After moving to Grande Prairie, AB, in 2005, he hung up his skates and retired his catching glove to focus on his family. He loved to listen to Chelsey play her cello and watch Angela on the soccer pitch. After both girls graduated, Darrel and Tina spent many summers at “the lake”. This quickly became his favourite spot and recovery zone for the last two summers.

Darrel is survived by his wife Tina; children Chelsey and Angela; mother Diane; mother and father in-law Isabell and Jim Hayley; sister Laurel (Royce) Foreman; brothers Dale (Kayla) and Ian McMillan; sister in-law Debbie Hayley (Wade Hillier); biological father and step-mom Alvin and Marlene McMillan; nieces: Alisha Parry, Holly Calloway, Sara Foreman, Emma and Hadley McMillan; 3 great-nieces; nephews: Adam Calloway, Ryan Foreman, Nathanial and Blaine McMillan; as well as one great-nephew. He will also be missed by aunts, uncles and cousins, too numerous to mention, as well as his Hockey family and the Chevy Crew.

Darrel was predeceased by his dad Gordon Parry in 2020; Little Grandma Katherine Parry in 1999; Grandpa Jim Parker in 1983; as well as Granny Helen Parker in 1981.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the Grande Prairie Home Care nurses and aides, and the staff at Prairie Lake Hospice; as well as Johnnie Bowden for your care and devotion.

On the Wings of an Eagle…

Fly high, rise above your problems, move with speed, you have lived the past now live in the moment, be courageous, embrace pain and soar to your final destination.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday February 4, 2023, at 2:00pm, at Oliver’s Funeral Home in Grande Prairie (10005 107 Ave). Snack to follow in Oliver’s Tearoom. Friends are invited to join the family upstairs at Mr. Mike’s at 5:00pm to spend time reminiscing.

A Livestream of the service will be accessible 15 minutes prior to the service on Darrel’s obituary on Oliver’s Funeral Home website.

Family has asked that if you are attending the service and played a sport with Darrel, please wear your jersey (if it still fits) or your favourite sports team jersey.

Memorial Donations may be made to your local cancer association or pet shelter in Darrel’s name.