Robert Parmenter
YMM Builder
CLASS OF 2024
While seeking inspiration for this Award, Robert’s connection to faith, family, and helping others was mentioned repeatedly.
The dove has long been a symbol of peace, something Robert has helped many people find during times of despair. I have placed a maple leaf in one dove’s beak representing love, loyalty, and protection. The golden rings are an interpretation of the holy trinity, for Robert’s deep faith.
Humanity for his fellow man – and woman – has been a sustaining thread in Robert Parmenter’s life and career.
“When I came to McMurray, I got involved in the community because that’s what I felt called to do,” recalls this YMM Builder.
That’s exactly what he has done as his volunteer commitments to community organizations and local sports have spanned over 40 years.
Currently co-owner of the Robert Anderson Funeral Home in Gregoire, Parmenter continues to be a volunteer chaplain for the RCMP Wood Buffalo detachment and for the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 165.
He continues to support the Special Olympics, where he has sat as a long-time board member. From 1993 to 2017, Parmenter was Facilitating Pastor at McMurray Gospel Assembly, which meant he was administration, looking after operations behind the scenes and helping organize special and community events. It was here that he found a calling: Presiding over funerals.
“I got to meet the family second-hand. Now with the funeral home, I meet them first-hand, support them, and be there and help them in one of the lowest parts times of their life.
“It’s hard, but my heart is to be there for the people and to do what I can for the community to make it a better place.”
Parmenter first became involved with the RCMP thanks to a couple of friends who worked there. He started accompanying them on ride-alongs in 1984. In 2008, it was made official and Parmenter was sworn in as Chaplain. He has also been instrumental in organizing the RCMP Balls.
He was involved with the Mayor’s Community Advisory Committee, serving as a board member and chairperson for several years. He has worked in front of house at Keyano Theatre where he continues to volunteer 20 years later.
Parmenter is also a past board member and chairperson for Special Olympics Wood Buffalo. He was one of the hosts for the 2015 Western Canada Summer Games and sat on the VIP Host Committee. Thanks to a career as a driver with Diversified for over 30 years, Parmenter was a volunteer bus driver during the Games, chauffeuring the young athletes between their accommodations and town.
Local hockey also gained from Parmenter’s commitment.
“I was involved in hockey six days a week. I was playing in some leagues, refereeing in others, and then in the early 90s, I was vice president of the Fort McMurray Oil Barons for a couple of years.”
Born and raised in St John’s Newfoundland, Parmenter attended Bible school in Peterborough, Ontario, and from there, came to Fort McMurray in December 1983.
“I’m a strong believer in giving back to the community and doing what I can to build the community.”
“Rather than sit back and complain, you have to get off your butt,” he advises. “You have to get out to be involved in the community, see where they need help, and do what you can to make it better for families that are coming here. Make it a safe place. Make it a place that people want to come, people want to live and try to do what you can, to involve and support and improve the community along the way.
“My heart is to give back to the community for the people, and that was why, a few years ago, I ran for council. I came in third (out of two positions).”
He was recently recognized as Senior of The Year for Wood Buffalo.
About 18 months ago, Parmenter was appointed to the provincial Citizens Appeal Committee, which hears appeals from Albertans who have been denied social support benefits.
“It was another way to give back, not only to the community, but to people who need help, and that’s the thing,” stressed Parmenter. “If you want to be a community builder, help the people that need help. That’s how you build the community.
“If you push them aside and disregard them, you can’t help them, even with the Aboriginal community. I’m a very strong believer in the Aboriginal community.
“For me, it’s never been about me. I don’t need recognition. I just want to help where I can.”
Subscribe now so you don’t miss out on all the latest news, stories and fun in YMM!
