Whitney Pier
It is with heavy hearts, we share with relatives and friends the peaceful passing of Edward Winston Parris on Saturday, March 31, 2018, at Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Glace Bay on July 10, 1942, Eddie was the son of the late Joseph Walcott and Hazel Strong and the chosen son of the late Alex and Daisy (Skeete) Parris.
Eddie was a steel worker with the mobile unit until his retirement in 1998. He was active in politics in the 70’s and 80’s serving the community of Whitney Pier as alderman and deputy mayor. He served the black community on provincial boards and organizations. He was a Shriner and a member of the 127 Eastgate Lodge as a Junior Warden and held various other offices.
Eddie was most notably known as a musician and singer performing with the Edsils, Black Cats and Roy Cummings Orchestra, before starting his own band, EPO (Eddie Parris Orchestra). In his retirement years he created and led the Inspirational Singers.
Some other passions that Eddie spent time on were raising and breeding dogs, creating Lauredspar Kennels, producing many championship breeds. He was recognized as Canadian Breeder of the Year in 2001 with Pembrook Welsh Corgis.
For Eddie, his family was his life and community was that which wanted him to do so much for others.
Eddie is survived by his wife, Laura (Nearing) Parris; children, Darlene (Clem), Edwina (Joe), Joseph (Lydia), Linda (Gerard), Cecil (Lori), Edward (Anne) and Nathan (Juanita); son-in-law, Eugene; many beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren; sister, Pam; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, Eddie was predeceased by his sisters, Olive, Ursil, Thelma, Beryl, Muriel and Ruby; brothers, Cecil Parris, Cecil Hayward, George Walcott and two brothers in infancy.
Visitation for the late Edward Winston Parris will be held at the Pier Community Funeral Home, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church Street) on Wednesday, Apr. 4, from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m.
Funeral service for the late Edward Parris will be celebrated on Thursday, Apr. 5, 2018 at 11 a.m. in the United Heritage Church, Charlotte Street, Sydney with Rev. Rosemary Godin officiating. Following the service a reception will be held at the Menelik Hall, Laurier Street, Whitney Pier. Private family interment will take place in Forest Haven Memorial Gardens, Sydney at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Eddie may be made to Boys & Girls Clubs of Cape Breton – Whitney Pier Youth Club.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
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Online Condolences
My deepest condolences on the passing of Eddie. Please find comfort in knowing others are thinking of you in your time of sorrow
From: Cathy (MacLean) Law
We would like to offer our condolences to the Paris family.Very sorry for your loss.
From: John and Ingrid Shannon
So sorry for your great loss. My brother and sister-in-law introduced Eddie and Laura many years ago. Eddie has the voice of an angel. He was admired by all. Rest in peace Eddie.
From: Lorraine (Pace) Jaques
Eddie is in so many people hearts, his smile, his singing, his kindness, even though it's been along time , I often look at photos and Eddie just brings a smile to my heart , Love to Laura , Darlene, Edwina, Joe, Linda Lee, Cecil, little Eddie, and Nathan and their Family's . Eddie please sing a song to my MOM when you see her in HEAVEN
From: Linda Brown Kendell
We are so deeply sorry to hear of Eddie's passing.He will be missed immensely by many.you couldn't help but love the man,with that MISCHIEVOUS way he had.we sang with Eddie in INSPIRATIONAL SINGERS.Rest in peace,Eddie.love,Joan & Bevan.
From: Joan Macintosh
So sorry to hear that about the passing of Eddie Parris. My prayers are with you and your family
From: Debbie McDonald (Keller)
Fortunate to have met Eddie thro church choir and gospel groups. He was a man with a presence. Loved when he and the Inspirational Singers were part of the service and concerts. Deepest condolences to the family
From: Corinne Schmid
LAURA AND FAMILY PLEASE ACCEPT OUR SINCERE CONDOLENCES ON EDDIE'S PASSING.I ENJOYED MANY GOOD TIMES WITH EDDIE AS FELLOW SHRINERS AND HIS WONDERFUL SENSE OF HUMOUR MADE FOR MEMORABLE TIMES. SINCERELY BARB. & AL PACE
From: AL PACE
sorry for the loss of your father eddy .was a good man he will be missed by all who knew him well .r.i.p. eddie .god bless their families and friends .
From: jacqueline peach
Joe and Family; Sorry to hear of your Fathers passing. I always enjoyed his singing and we know his voice is ringing out in Heaven. Thoughts and prayers are with you all. Shirley Bonnell
From: Shirley Bonnell
My sincere condolences to all the Parris family on the lost of Eddie. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. God Bless
From: Stella Walcott
Linda & family, sorry for your loss. Thought & prayers are with you during tihis difficult time. Sheri Hanna
From: Sheri Hanna
Whitney Pier has lost another loved community Angel. Deepest Sympathy Bobby & Doddy Keel ( Hollohan) Truro N.S. ( Whitney Pier)
From: Doddy Keel
Sorry for loss of this great leader Eddie was great part of Many community events lovely voice now sleeps
From: Sandra Charles Webber
My deepest sympathy to all the Paris family,he was a great man and I joyed singing with him in Trinity choir and the Insperational singers . Rest in peace dear friend.
From: Louise Mac Lennan
Remembering Eddie with great affection and appreciation. My sympathy to all his loved ones.
From: Rev. Lorna MacQueen
Joe, Lydia and family – I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. Eddie was quite a talent and had a huge presence in the community. He will be missed by many! My deepest condolences!
From: Silvana DeLorenzo
Eddie and I became good friends when we started putting on our annual Choir Night (10 years) as a fundraiser for the Saint Vincent de Paul Society of St. John's Parish, Glace Bay. We would have a goodwill offering at the door and afterwards we would all gather in the church hall for a get together and refreshments. He didn't miss it. Eddie was a great guy with a big voice and will be missed by all. Prayers and thoughts to all his family. RIP.
From: Jim McIntyre
Sincerest condolences to the family
From: Al Dorko
So Sorry for your loss. My prayers are with the family.
From: Phyllis(Mayers) Hermillon
Laura my heart goes out to you and your family at this time.
From: WILLIAM TOUSSAINT AND FAMILY
The Officers and Members of East Gate Lodge No.127 join in extending Heartfelt Sympathy to your family at this Time of Sorrow.
From: Phillip Jennex
Our hearts go out to our extended family, please know that we are thinking of you all with heavy hearts. Eddie was a living angel. We will never forget that angelic voice singing to our Ma and Dad on their 40th Anniversary. Eddie please give our recently deceased sister a big hug for us, and we are sure Ma and Dad will be there waiting for your arrival. Rest in Peace Eddie you will always hold a place in our hearts.
From: Leonard and Sherri Nearing
Laura, Dave and I are so sorry to hear of Eddie's passing, prayers to you and your family, Eddie will be missed by so many xoxo
From: Sookie
Laura and Family, We are so saddened to learn of Eddies passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all. We are so sorry that we are unable to attend due to health issues. Will be in touch later . Hugs
From: Jeannie & Forrest Mc Leod
My sincere condolences to Ed's family and friends. Worked with Ed at Sysco. He will be greatly missed. God Bless
From: Terry Crawley
My deepest condolences to Laura and the Parris family.
From: Lionel Ruck jr.
Sincere condolences to Joe and family. Colette Fortin, UTE Bathurst, NB President.
From: Colette
Dear Auntie Laura, Family & Friends. I am so sad to hear about my Uncle Eddie's passing. He was such a wonderful, kind and accomplished man, who did so much for everybody he encountered. His gift was his music and his lovely voice. I share your sorrow during this very sad and difficult time. I am sending my deepest sympathy and love always.
From: Donna Douglas
To the Parris Family Another icon has passed and will be dearly missed.
From: Donna Wall and Dinky Cameron
My deepest condolences to the family and he will always live on in the hearts and memories of all those who knew and loved him.
From: Edward Mac Pherson
I am so sad to hear of the passing of my dear friend. I have known Eddie all my life living in Glace Bay. Many of times he would volunteer his service to kick start the community hall. He was always there to give a helping hand; people like Eddie are rare. I'll miss you my friend until we meet again keep on singing. May God Bless.
From: Mary Desmod
On behalf of the officers and members of the Tracadie United Baptist Church, we wish to extend our deepest condolences. Eddie will surely be missed;he was an icon to the community and a treasure.
From: Licentiate Mary Desmond
We are so sorry to hear of the passing. Such a well respected man and a dear soul on behalf of myself, my siblings and our deceased parents, Joseph & Viola (Borden) Parris our deepest sympathy and expression of prayers for strength. May God continue to embrace you.
Blessings Sylvia Parris-Drummond
Joe, So sorry to hear of your fathers passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
From: Donna Bennett
We are so sorry for your loss…Eddie was a very large presence in the Pier and he will be missed! We knew him for many years and this world was a better place for him having been in it…please know that he was loved and respected by many.
From: Greg & Pat Pronko
Laura and family. Just heard of eddies passing. My deepest sympathy to you and the family. today I'm thinking the all the wonderful times you Eddie Jim and myself spent together. I'll always cherish them .much love from all of us here in Pickering.
From: Delores garland
I was unable to attend the funeral. The community will also suffer from this great loss. My condolences. Vera and Dick Nichols daughter. Eddie sang at my Dads funeral
From: Sister Nichols MacAdam