Arnold Parks

It is with deep sadness the family announces the passing of Arnold Parks, which occurred at the Saint John Regional Hospital on Friday, November 19th, 2021, with his daughters by his side.  Born June 14th, 1930, in Saint John, N.B., he was the son of the late Alfred and Ethel (Williams) Parks. 

Arnold was a graduate of Saint John Vocational and Saint John High School.  He studied to become a certified general accountant.  In 1948, he was employed at Maple Leaf Milling Company.  In 1956, he worked at the New Brunswick Apple Exchange.  In 1959, Arnold was employed at The Canadian Revenue Agency (Business Audit) for 33 years until his retirement in 1990.

Arnold loved to travel with his wife Zola, favorite trips being to Hawaii and Alaska.  He enjoyed salmon fishing at the Miramichi.

Captain Parks became a well-known sports figure in N.B. and the Commonwealth.  He commenced his shooting career as an army cadet, winning many awards at junior and senior level.  In 1948, he started outdoor shooting at the Provincial level winning many trophies.  He was the only marksman to shoot 2 perfect scores in competition on the Sussex Rifle Range.

At a National level, he represented Canada on the Canada Team Match, Commonwealth and Palma Teams.  Between 1964 and 1976, he won his place on 10 Bisley Teams.  In 1968, Arnold was appointed Adjutant of the Canadian Bisley Team.  In the Ottawa National Shoots, he won the Governor General’s in 1969 and 1975, becoming the only Maritimer to ever win this match twice. 

At the international level at Bisley (England), he was on two famous Kalopore winning teams.  He won the Clock Tower Match, Century Match, Donegall Medal, 3 St. George’s Badges and the St. George’s Silver Cross.  Captain Parks shot in five Queen’s 100 finals and won her Majesty the Queen’s Prize in 1968.  In doing so, he became only the 11th Canadian Marksman in history and the only one east of Ontario.  In 1970, he placed 5th in the Queen’s final. 

Captain Parks has been inducted into the N.B. Sports Hall of Fame (1975), Canadian Forces Sports Hall of Fame (1982), Saint John Sports Hall of Fame (1986) and Dominion of Canada Rifle Shooting Hall of Fame (2000).

In 1969, Arnold received an invitation to Buckingham Palace to a Royal garden party where he was presented to the Queen Mother and Prince Charles.  In 1984, during the Queen’s N.B. visit, Arnold and his wife were invited to attend a luncheon and met Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip.

Arnold was a member of the NB Lodge of Masons, a life member of the N.B. Rifle Association, a life member of Dominion of Canada Rifle Association and the C.G.A. Association.

Arnold is survived by his two daughters Victoria and Sonya Jane; sister-in-law Audrey Sypher; nieces Heather and Jennifer; nephew Dean.  Along with his parents, Arnold was predeceased by his loving wife Zola of 67 years; sisters Ethel Campbell, Lillian Anderson and Frances Leach and brother-in-law Rupert Sypher.

A special thank you to the Extra Mural Respiratory Staff for their care and compassion.

Arrangements are under the direction of Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road (646-2424).  A Memorial Service will take place from St. Mary & St. Bartholomew’s Church (646 Westmorland Road) on Wednesday, November 24th at 11 a.m. followed by an interment at Ocean View Memorial Gardens.  Due to COVID-19 health measures placed on indoor gatherings, all those 12 and older attending the service will be required to wear masks, show proof of vaccination and a piece of government issued ID.  Donations in memory of Arnold may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.  

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