Death of Colonel Geoff Parker hits close to home

This morning, in my home town of Arundel, Quebec, a full Military burial ceremony is being held for Canada’s highest ranking soldier to fall in Afghanistan. I’m proud to say my parents and other relatives will all be there. 

The man is question is Colonel Geoff Parker and he was my cousin Mary Jane (MJ) Baugh’s husband. Although I believe I only met Parker (that’s what MJ called him) once, it is clear he was a very fine man – salt of the earth. 

Colonel Parker left behind a great wife too. I have such fond memories of MJ visiting her family’s home on nearby Caribou Lake.  She was and still is such a beautiful vibrant girl and I cannot even imagine the pain she and her two children are going through right now. Her son Charlie (named after his grandfather) is 11, and her daughter Alexandria is only 9. They are basically the same age as my kids for goodness sake, what a terrible, terrible loss for them. 

Although MJ was a ‘city girl’ as we would tease her..she always had a close connection to the country and her Caribou lake ‘home-away-from-home’ where she spent time hanging out with other cousins, and with my friends and I in Arundel on occasion.

I see it as only fitting now that her husband Geoff – a proud soldier who fought and died for what he believed in – be put to rest in one of the most scenic areas of Canada – a region MJ loved so dearly.

And to think now that such a fine man as Colonel Parker will be resting a stone’s throw from all four of my grand-parents and a countless number of other relatives, it is comforting in a way. 

One day, my own family and I will be put to rest in the same Arundel cemetery, and knowing Geoff  is nearby to watch over us will serve as added comfort to the whole community….yes, a bit of comfort indeed and a whole lot of pride. 

My condolences to the Baugh’s, Ronnie, MJ, Charlie, Alexandria and all of Geoff’s family at the very difficult time. 

Kindest regards, 

Jeff Morrison