He's Gone.

My husband Greg passed away on Friday May 16th at 8.07pm. It was just four years short of the day he was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

The actual moment was completely peaceful. I was next to him, adjusting his position to make him more comfortable. His head was tilted toward me. He stopped breathing quietly. I felt his pulse and could not detect one. The Silverchain nurse was there for a regular visit and she confirmed immediately that he had died. Extended family and friends were in the adjoining room and garden. I beckoned only his daughters, Mary and Rachel, into the room and the 3 of us held each other and wept and prayed. We were alone with him for some time, the room was softly lit with many candles flickering around us.Then the nurse and I prepared his body for the others to pay their respects. She said it was the most peaceful passing she had ever witnessed. All who were gathered were Greg’s family, whether related by blood or not. Each in turn said their final goodbyes in prayer and song. For the next few hours we cried, laughed, ate and cried some more. And all over Perth and in other parts of the world, the word had spread instantly through the Baha’i community that they had lost their beloved brother.

For twenty-eight years, I had the privilege of sharing The Adventure that was Greg Parker. We came together through his matchless music, we tried our best to raise his two beautiful daughters, Rachel and Mary, we fought and laughed and traveled and cried. I admired his his scholarship, his unshakeable faith, his valour, and his creative genius. I tolerated his unashamed geekiness 🙂

I was in awe of the grace with which he bore the incredible hardship of his long illness, the gradual loss of independence, the unbearable pain, the complete uncertainty.

But most of all, I was honoured to bear witness to his deep, unswerving desire to be of service to others, right until the very end.

And Gregory, you really were.

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I’d like to thank all the lovely people who left messages of kindness and love in the aftermath of Greg’s passing. We are buoyed by your support and I am sure that Greg is delighted and humbled at the multitude of people whose lives he touched, in so many corners of the world, many of whom he never even met in person.

His funeral will take place on Tuesday May 27th at 10:00am at the Fremantle Cemetery, West Chapel. All are welcome. If you attend, please come with joy in your heart to celebrate the extraordinary character of my husband. Music, prayers, flowers, tears, stories, colour and laughter… this is how we will send him on his way.