CHARLES DAVID PARMELEE, 1932 – 2021
With profound sadness we announce the passing of Charles (Chuck) Parmelee on February 14, 2021 at Bridgepoint Hospital in Toronto. His loving partner, Kathy Murphy, was at his side. Chuck was predeceased by his parents Wilfrid (1972) and Lillas Parmelee (Stitt) (1999) and his wife Veronica Parmelee (Dugdale) (1983). He is survived by his sisters, Helen O’Brien (Joseph O’Brien, Peter Worthington) and Janet Hutchison (Frederick), his nephew Casey Worthington (Julia Kanashevich), his niece Jennifer Hutchison (James Schmidt) his grandnephews Jordan and Jacob Schmidt, and his grandnieces Kathleen and Victoria Worthington.
Born in Ottawa, Chuck’s extraordinary life was driven by his strong desire to learn, to become successful and to enjoy life to its fullest. He did so and more. Chuck graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) in Mechanical Engineering in 1954. He earned a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering Degree from McGill University in 1955, a Bachelor of Science Degree from RMC in 1956, and an MBA from Western University in 1960.
His long and varied business career included working for Shell Oil, Atlas Steel, and Drake Personnel before beginning 20 years of working closely with and for Stephen Roman, Chairman and Founder of the Roman Corporation. Chuck travelled the world seeking opportunities for the company in oil and gas and mining exploration as well as many other business sectors, cumulating as President of Roman Corporation. Following Mr. Roman’s passing Chuck moved
on to a new set of challenges and accomplishments that included moving to Vancouver as President and CEO of Graymont Ltd.
Returning to Toronto he served as the Federal Government’s representative on the Board of the Toronto Harbour Commission serving in the role of Commissioner and Chairman of the Board for a decade. He was instrumental in gaining support and funding for the lakefront Toronto Music Garden and for the expansion and development of the Toronto Island Airport. Chuck loved his yacht “Super Date” and all activities that flowed from it. While a member of the Royal Canadian Yacht Club he served as Treasurer, Vice Commodore and Commodore and led the search and design for the RCYC City Club. As President of his condominium corporation, “King’s Landing”, he supported and facilitated the National Ballet of Canada Walter Carsen Centre move to King’s Landing.
Chuck loved playing squash and tennis and skiing with his buddies. He was a serious car enthusiast who always had the latest and greatest shiny new one. Chuck was a great conversationalist, always on top of current events, and would advance his position persuasively and in good will. He very much enjoyed entertaining his family and friends on his yacht and organizing fun dinners and parties.
We gratefully extend our thanks to the health care team at Bridgepoint, the wonderful PSW’s and Nurse Ursula from Paramed, and the amazing staff at King’s Landing, who all supported Chuck through the last, sometimes difficult, years of his life. Private graveside service at Holy Cross Cemetery, Toronto. Condolences may be sent through the Holy Cross Funeral Home website. Donations to The Salvation Army appreciated. A “Celebration of Chuck’s Life” will be planned and announced when circumstances become more favorable.
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