A Woodstock man killed in a mass shooting in the Toronto-area is being remembered as a beautiful human being who loved his family deeply.
Delroy "George" Parkes, 61, was among a group of men who had gathered in the parking lot of North Albion Collegiate Institute in Etobicoke after a soccer game shortly before 11 p.m. on Sunday. A dark pickup truck arrived in the lot and two people got out and started shooting at the men before taking off.
Parkes was one of five people taken to hospital with gunshot wounds. He later died from his injuries. The four other people hurt remained in hospital on Tuesday with life-altering and non-life-threatening injuries.
Toronto police identified Parkes as the man killed.
"He was taken from us in a senseless act of violence during a shooting that injured several innocent people, including some of his best friends. Our hearts are broken, and our lives have been forever changed," Parkes' eldest daughter Jaidyn wrote in a post on GoFundMe. "My Father was a beautiful human being who loved his family deeply. He was always kind, grateful, and willing to go above and beyond for everyone he met. A man of strong faith, he read his Bible every day and dedicated his life to the Lord. His passions included playing soccer and dominoes with his friends every night in a peaceful and friendly gathering."
Parkes leaves behind a wife, seven children, and numerous grandchildren.
"He was the pillar of our family, providing not only love and support but also a sense of security and stability," wrote Jaidyn.
She launched the online fundraiser to help cover funeral expenses and to provide the family with some financial assistance to "navigate this challenging period." As of Wednesday morning, it had raised more than $7,500.
Police have not yet made any arrests in the shooting. They are asking anyone with information to call them at 416-808-7400 or Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
