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By Mildred Devins, Adult Leisure Chairperson Published in the Shaarey Zedek Shofar in May 2005
Some time has passed since Mitch Parks passed away; however, his memory lives on. Mitch shared his wonderful musical talent with the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue in many ways. It didn’t matter how busy he was with other musical commitments. As a professional musician, he played for the CBC, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and performed for over 16 years on Hymn Sing, a popular television show. His commitment and dedication to the Adult Leisure Group goes back over 25 years.
Mitch and Rabbi Louis Berkal helped us celebrate Chanukah and Purim every year with a beautiful concert. Whenever a soloist needed an accompanist, only Mitch would do. He could never say no. His skill at the piano and time spent in rehearsal gave every singer confidence in his or her performance. Jill Brandes told me that sometime after Mitch became ill, he said, “I think you better take your musical arrangements home with you.” He knew that he could no longer perform in public. Brena Cantor and Jill told me he would play for them right up to the time he went into the hospital. He loved his music.
Because of our high regard for this selfless volunteer who brought so many hours of pleasure to the Adult Leisure Group, we will dedicate a portrait of Mitch to be displayed in the lower lobby of the synagogue as an ongoing symbol of our love and regard for this wonderful “music man”. |
