George Parry’s life story is truly a study in courage. Only 18 years old and facing a world in depression, George solicited the sponsorship of the YMCA, left his home in Sunderland, England to sail to Canada.
On arrival in Canada, he learned of a farmer ironically in Sunderland, Ontario seeking help. This led to a job at the Elmer Gorrell farm, then 18 months later employment with Switzer Brethour who bought Parry a house in Vallentyne.
With the outbreak of war, George joined the Ontario Regiment Tank Corps. After basic training he was transferred to the Cameron Highlanders with whom he saw action in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. Wounded in Belgium, after a short convalescence, George was assigned duty as a drill instructor, an assignment that he deserted to join his old regiment in battle. In taking this action, George risked being found AWOL. However, not surprisingly, after the war, he left the military, a highly decorated sergeant, with an honourable discharge,.
On his return to Brock and with the assistance of the Veterans’ Land Act, Parry was able to acquire his own farm which he successfully operated until retirement. Always service minded, Parry was active with the Sunderland Royal Canadian Legion, was elected and served several terms as School Trustee as well as a term on the Brock Township Council.
Community Champions
Click on any name to see the page about them. Names are arranges alphabetically by last name.
Elizabeth Allin | James Anderson | William Bagshaw | George Bott | Lorne Brethour | Frank Doble | James Doble | John Doble | Bill Doyle | Ted English | James Glendinning | Jennie Glendinning | Debbie Hadden-Bath | Donald Hadden | Betty Ann Harder | Kenneth Harrison | Graydon Hogg | George Johnson | Enid Martin | Bill McDougall | Stanley Miller | Ferguson Munro | Bessie Oliver | Joseph Oliver | George Parry | Lorne Pinkham | Newton Reed | J Clare Rennie | James Ruddy | Keith Rynard | Mike Sheridan | Philip St. John | James Vrooman | George Welsh