Andrew Douglas Parrill

With great sadness and heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of the late A. Douglas Parrill aged 95 years at the Health Sciences Center on October 13, 2024.  Born on September 7, 1929 in Pines Cove, NL, he was the son of the late Andrew and Elizabeth (nee: Noseworthy) Parrill.

He is survived by his children Roland (Cindy), Geneva (Rocky) and Douglas (Virginia); grandchildren Stephen (Crystal), Ross (Ashley), Natasha (Neil) and Stephanie (Spencer); great grandchildren Samuel, Chase, Bryson, Abigail, Maeve, Eva, Adalyn, Carter, William and Lily; sister Esther Elliott and sister-in-law Eliza Parrill; and numerous cousins, nephews, nieces and friends.

He was predeceased by his loving wife Virtue (nee: White), parents Andrew and Elizabeth Parrill, father-in-law and mother-in-law William and Rhoda White, brother Ethelbert (Catherine), brother Ivany (Rita), sister Francis (John), brother John, brother-in-law Arthur Elliott, brother-in-law Eldred (Dora) White, brother-in-law Anthony (Cinderella) White, sister-in-law Rita (Elias) Coles, twin brother-in-law/sister-in-law (John/Rosanna) White, brother-in-law George William White and sister-in-law Gertrude (Wilga) White.

As per Dad’s wishes, cremation has taken place.  A celebration of life will occur during the Summer of 2025 at St. Thomas’ Anglican Church in Sandy Cove (Strait of Belle Isle) with a specific date and time to be announced later.

Our sincerest appreciation and thanks are offered to the heartwarming staffs at Revera Cambridge Estates, Portugal Cove Road, St. John’s and Ivy Durley Place, Flowers Cove for your kindness, compassion, love and great care while Dad resided at your homes.  Dad felt a wonderful sense of belonging and he felt loved and “at home”.  We also whole-heartedly thank the staff at 4 North B, Health Science Center, St. John’s for your outstanding professionalism, care and support that you provided to Dad and his family during this past week.

Dad loved his family, especially his four grandchildren.  When Dad lived in Sandy Cove, he thoroughly enjoyed family and friends dropping by for a visit and chat. Dad liked to frequently visit his family in Pines Cove.  He thought the world of his Uncle Gil and they shared many stories and much laughter and card games together.  Dad felt a special connection to his nephew Harrison White and he looked forward to Harrison’s many visits and phone calls.

Dad had a natural love for the outdoors and he enjoyed it the most when Mom tagged along with him – spending time at their cabin in to the Lake, cutting wood, sawing lumber, mowing hay, berry picking, putting in potato and vegetable gardens, hunting, cod jigging, riding on the quad and skidoo and walking the shoreline.

Dad enjoyed supporting community, church and Lions Club events. He particularly enjoyed doing hands-on building and mechanical projects with his younger son Doug and although he himself had no formal schooling, he was a huge fan and great supporter of higher education.

Rest easy Dad.  On this Thanksgiving Day, amidst the sadness, we feel a calming peace that you are no longer in pain and we are grateful for your long and productive life.  You have taught us well and you will be forever loved.  “Say not in grief that ‘he is no more’ but in thankfulness that he was” (Jewish Proverb).