Parks, William Donald 'Don'

Born to Hilliard and Hazel Parks (née Wallace), Don was raised on the family farm in Kimberley, Ontario, alongside his sisters Edna Veldora “Ruth” Reekie ( late Harvey) and Hilda “Irene” Norman (late Daniel) whom predeceased him. A farm boy at heart, Don’s love for the land stayed with him throughout his life. Whether working the fields in his younger years or mowing grass well into his nineties, he found his greatest peace outdoors.

Don graduated from the University of Toronto with a degree in Civil Engineering, beginning a career that would take him across Canada. But the most important journey of his life began when he met the love of his life, Merilyn Ann Pyatt, at church. While both were living in Toronto, Don offered to drive Merilyn home for a weekend. He would later say that was the most important day of his life. From that moment on, they were rarely apart until Merilyn’s passing on February 16, 2011.

Don and Merilyn were married on October 8, 1960, and built a life together. They began their married life in Toronto while spending weekends in Thornbury, where Don continued running their farm WillLynn Farms. In the mid-1980s, Don’s engineering work took him across the country while Merilyn moved the family to Thornbury full-time. Once their children were grown, Merilyn joined Don on many of his projects, with their time in Goose Bay, Labrador remaining among their most cherished memories.

In 1996, Don founded his own property management company in Thornbury, a business he continued operating until the fall of 2025. The years spent building that company alongside Merilyn were some of the happiest of their lives. Don loved his work and the satisfaction that came from caring for the properties and land around him. If he were still here today, he would surely be outside enjoying a ride on his mower.

Don was a devoted husband and father. He loved and supported his grandchildren. He believed deeply in hard work, perseverance, and education. He taught his children that if someone asks you to do something, even if you do not yet know how, you say yes and learn. He taught by example that education is the key to opportunity and success. Though he could be tough at times, it came from the values and experiences that shaped him.

In his later years, Don remained in the home he and Merilyn purchased in 1960, often driving the Valley Road to sit quietly near the old family farm, reflecting on his life lived.

Don is lovingly remembered by his children Valerie, Gregory, Melinda, and Michelle; his 13 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, and their families. He will be fondly remembered by many extended family members and friends.

A private family interment will be conducted at the Thornbury-Clarksburg Union Cemetery.

As your expression of sympathy, donations to the Brightshores Meaford Hospital Foundation would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON   N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted.   www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca