Baron Parker, a longtime Cloverdalian, passed away Feb. 8.
A former NHL linesman, Baron was known locally for his philanthropy after starting Brenden’s Ride, among other charitable initiatives.
Sarah Parker, Baron’s daughter, shared a post on Facebook about her family’s loss and how much her dad meant to her.
“A massive piece of my heart and our family was taken way too soon,” Sarah wrote in a post Feb. 8. “I can’t put into enough words how lucky I was to call you not only my dad but my best friend.”
Sarah wrote that Baron was such a loving and caring father and how he would do anything for his kids.
“From letting me paint your toes pink and going to hockey with them, to taking as many videos and photos with me, regular phone calls every day at 11 to see how my day was, listen to me talk and talk about absolute nonsense or to see what my plans for lunch were,” she wrote. “Watching cop shows or Bachelor every Wednesday.”
Sarah said Baron was her biggest supporter in life. Near or far, he never missed one of her games, no matter the sport. He supported her in her efforts to become a photographer and helped her “achieve my dreams and goals and never letting me think I couldn’t do something I set my mind to.”
She also noted that Baron had a big impact on the wider Cloverdale and Surrey community.
“Any life you touched you were a light in, with your larger than life personality, sarcasm, humour, your infectious smile, laugh and your big heart,” Sarah said. “You left everyone with a smile on their face ALWAYS which makes this impossible to believe that someone like you is gone so soon.”
She added that Baron always put others first.
“You would always be the first person to help someone in need whether that was taking coffee and meals to the homeless in Cloverdale, helping anyone when they needed a hand or someone to talk to,” she concluded.
“You are tough as nails but we all know when it comes to your heart no one has as big of heart as you do. There are not enough words to explain how I’m feeling about what life will be like without you. I know you will be with me forever in my heart.”
