Parker, John “Jack” Robert
JOHN “JACK” ROBERT PARKER
John “Jack” Robert Parker aged 86 years of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, passed away peacefully in the presence of the Lord on Wednesday, February 18th, 2026, with family by his side.
Jack was born in North Battleford, SK on March 19th, 1939 and moved with the family to Edmonton, AB at an early age. His mechanical aptitude became apparent when he began working on engines with his dad at the age of ten. In high school, the shop teacher would occasionally ask Jack for help when he encountered a problem on a motor that he was working on. In 1956, Jack’s dad sent him to B.C. to work for his uncle. There he saw a young musician named Elvis Presley perform in Vancouver — a memory that Jack considered very special in later years.
Upon his return to Edmonton at the age of 17, Jack built and raced a car at Edmonton Speedway’s quarter mile track. A year later, he began working for Woolworth’s in Red Deer, AB and then Grand Prairie, AB before moving to Swift Current, SK where he joined the Police force.
It was there that Jack met Helen Prang, whom he married in 1961. Three children followed: Bob, Kimball, and James. While in Swift Current, Jack once again built and raced a car at the local dirt track — becoming track champion and amassing a box full of trophies. He also began his lifelong passion of restoring antique cars with a 31 Model A Roadster. In 1966, Jack moved with his family to Moose Jaw where he embarked on a 30-year career with SGI.
During the 70s and 80s, Jack was involved with the Tired Iron Car Club — whereupon he found and restored numerous antique cars such as a 34 Ford Roadster, 35 Cabriolet, 36 Roadster, 39 Buick convertible, 46 Desoto Convertible, and a 34 Ford C400. He also helped other club members work on their cars. Following a trip to Bonneville Speed Week in 1988 with his C400, the car was highlighted in several street rod magazines including Street Rod Action.
After the children had grown, Jack and Helen began travelling extensively around North America. Upon retirement in 1997, Jack developed the golf bug and became an active senior member at Lynbrook Golf Course in Moose Jaw. In the 2000s, Jack and Helen wintered at a trailer park in Palm Springs where they played golf, hiked in the hills, and explored the area. Jack always enjoyed family gatherings with a big Rodo’s pizza on the table and a game of Penny Rummy to follow. Trips to Tim Horton’s for a coffee and an apple fritter were common.
He was predeceased by his wife, Helen in 2021. Jack is survived by his brother, Ken Parker; sons: Bob, Kimball, and James; and grandchildren: Warren, Rachel, Justin, Sarah, and Josh.
The Funeral Service will be held on Monday, March 2nd, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Moose Jaw Church of God, 50 Hochelaga St E, Moose Jaw, SK. Pastor Larry Hasmatali will officiate, and interment will take place on Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Herbert Cemetery in Herbert, SK. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Gary McDowell, Funeral Director 306-693-4550
Bob, Kim, James and family I am sorry for your loss. I remember Uncle Jack’s great sense of humour and love of antique cars. He was an inspiration and help to my dad (Glenn) in restoring hot rods. I have fond memories of traveling to hot rod runs and swap meets in AB, SK, and USA, with Uncle Jack & Auntie Helen and cousins. Another fond memory is when he showed up at our back door in Edmonton and I briefly mistook him as my dad, he certainly had fun with that.
We wish to express our condolences to the Parker Family. I enjoyed working with Jack. And have many good memories
Sorry to hear of your Dads’ passing. Sending my deepest condolences on your loss.
Tracey CCA
Bob, We did not have the pleasure of knowing your dad, but we are sure he was a special person because he raised 3 good sons; especially you. wishing you peace and comfort at this difficult time.
Parker Family so sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. Helen is going to be so glad to see him!! Condolences from Dave and Karen Timlick
Sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing,I was in the Autobody business for many years and got to know Jack threw that and also being a member of the Tired Iron Car Club.We all traveled to many Rod Runs and car shows as a club and created many great memories.
Sending sincere condolences to the Parker family,
I have many good memories from SGI days and all the hours Mike and Jack spent restoring cars together
He will now be with Helen who he missed so much. Sorry for your loss..
Bob, Kim and James
Susan, Keith and I extend our sincere condolences in Jacks passing. We remember the fun times at birthdays and reunions at Pine Lake – and of course Jacks dry wit.
Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you at this time. With love
Our Condolence to Bob, Kim, and James. Jack was a great man both at work and at play. Jack and I spent many hours together both working for SGI, in our garages working on out prized Street Rods, as well as at SGI. I often recall the special times we shared at many car runs and shows over the years.
Dear Bob, Kim and James,
We were so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. I guess it was about 18 months ago when we were back in Moose Jaw that we dropped in to see your Dad. He did not know who we were, but with Bob’s help, we had a nice little visit. Your parents were such good neighbours. We were honoured to watch their house every winter when the were snowbirds. Jack even entrusted Cliff to drive the ‘34 Ford to the threshing bee one year while your Dad drove the ‘39 Buick.
May God be near to each of you as you navigate life now without your Dad.
Love to you, Cliff and Mary Leister