Close to 250 people gathered to pay tribute to their father, husband, brother and friend, John Parkes, who passed away unexpectedly following open heart surgery on November 5.

A steam train to Mittagong in 1979 for a weekend away prompted John to leave behind a career climbing the corporate ladder for a quieter life with family and friends at the centre of it.

Born in Penshurst to Jack and Eva Parkes on June 22, 1940, John began a career in the insurance world after graduating from Hurstville High School.

John rose through the ranks of the corporate world to become TNT’s Director of Insurance, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Sir Peter Abeles and former prime minister Bob Hawke.

After a mutual friend played cupid, John met his wife Heather who would be at his side for more than 52 years. 

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They married in Sydney on April 30, 1966 before driving to Surfers Paradise in a white VW beetle for their honeymoon and began their lives together in Allambie Heights, building their first home and starting a family.

John’s work required a lot of travel, but his family was never too far from his mind, particularly after the loss of their first child, Melissa, who passed away at just five months old.

Son, Ben and daughter, Kate were born a few years later and John and Heather filled their childhood with magical memories of trips together visiting extended family and water skiiing holidays at Lake Macquarie. 

Then in April, 1979, John and Heather travelled to the Southern Highlands, ostensibly for a weekend away, but by the end of that weekend, John is said to have turned to his friend, John Longmuir and said: “This is where I want to be.”

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By June, the Parkes family had moved to Bowral and John and Heather had become the proud owners of a produce store in Moss Vale, a venture neither had much experience in, but both relished the challenge.  Heather said that John adjusted quickly to their new life, fitting in with the locals almost straight away.

John relished his new country life and before long, he and son Ben discovered their mutual love for Polo Cross and joined the Burradoo Club.

At Heather’s suggestion, John joined the Bong Bong Picnic Race Club, taking on the role of director and later became vice chairman.

John held a position with the club from that time onward, remaining actively involved until his passing.

"John was gentle, unassuming man who loved his family. He was a “rock”; solid and reliable. Always available to help and support his family and friends. His love of sport and fitness has been passed on to his children and grandchildren," his wife, Heather said.

"His guidance and sense of fun will be sorely missed by all."

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