From the
Times Colonist:
PARKER,
Raymond May 25, 1929 - July 15, 2013 Ray passed away peacefully at the
Royal Jubilee Hospice, surrounded by his family. Born in Wolverhampton,
England, Ray, a noted entertainer, performed his first show at the age
of eleven as a puppeteer. He soon expanded his skills to include acting,
clowning, mime, dance, singing, and stand-up comedy. At the age of
eighteen, while in the British armed forces, he performed in East
Africa, while serving as a Royal Engineer. During this time, he
developed an impersonation act, which led to theatre, BBC television,
and radio engagements. In 1965, Ray and his young family immigrated to
Canada, where his career continued to flourish. Ray's acts included his
children as a family of clowns, performing vaudevillian slapstick
comedy. At the age of 50, Ray fell in love with magic, and thrilled his
audiences with yet another dazzling talent.
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