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“Port Perry made me what I am” During the 1970s, 80s and early 90s, the name Les Parkes was syn- onymous with the art and cultural community of Port Perry. The tal- ented artist was the set designer for many of the Borelians and Choral Society productions taking place at Town Hall 1873. While all his local efforts were going on, Les was kept busy with his love of painting, winning many awards for his watercolours, in To- ronto, Ottawa, New York, Mexico City and Houston. His work was frequently the subject of art shows at the Farndale Gallery at Scugog Memorial Library. Many of his paintings have found a place of honour in homes in Port Perry. “Port Perry owes such a lot to Kent Farndale, you know. She is such a remarkable and energetic patron of the arts,” he says. Les and his wife Zona made their home on Bigelow Street where Les had his studio and they raised their three children. Les’ interest in art led him to respect the work of local artist Jimmy ise, the internationally recognised cartoonist. Jimmy was born and in Scugog, attended Port Perry High School and then went on to to international acclaim with his cartoons based on some of Scugog’s local characters and locations. Les co-wrote, with Zoe Allen, a production for the Borelians which they titled “Birds Eye Centre,” based on Frise’s fictional village. The production was a big hit at Town Hall 1873. He remembers fondly, “While working on the production of ‘Birds Eye Centre,’ I had the privilege of establishing a close friendship with Jimmy Frise’s son John who was a stockbroker in Toronto.” “Unfortunately I never had the opportunity to meet Jimmy Frise as Don’t you think the most important aspect of good health is properly fitted footware? DO YOU SUFFER FRI OR DO YOU NEED * Heel Spurs © Over Pronation/Flat Feet * Toe Deformities * Achilles Tendonitis/ Calf Muscle Pain * Forefoot Pain/ Metatarsalgia * Corns * Callusing = ORTHOTICS eae orthotics and receive custom: lotics L pair of orthotic and receive 1 pair LES PARKES he died in 1948, well before I began to take an interest in such matters.” Similar to many Canadian artists, including Jimmy Frise, Les had a distinguished career in advertising before launching out into fine art. He taught art at Durham College and at the Haliburton School, and is a well respected member of the Ca- nadian Society of Painters in Water- colour. Some of his paintings are in the CSPW Diploma Collection. Les and Zona recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary and are now living in retirement in Bowmanville. Their three children, Clive, Jill and Valerie are all married and have presented Les and Zona with four grandchildren, “and that may be all” he added with a twinkle in his eye. At age 85, Les looks back on a distinguished career and acclaimed success in the art world and says “Port Perry made me what I am. I really cherish my time there.” To support that feeling, he still keeps i in touch with many Port Perry in Gendships which he and Zona developed while living on Bigelow By Paul Arculus Editor's note. Shortly after this interview, we were shocked to hear Les had suffered heart failure and is in the ICU at Bowmanville Hospital. We send our best wishes to Les and his family and pray for a speedy recovery. 5 GLEARANGE CH 2 - 23 MA a 7. Fall - Winter "Ts DRESS SHOES ATHLETIC SHOES _. SANDALS - OVER 30 BRANDS SUCH AS: z= m3 | JONVYVIID JINVYWA1I JONWHVI19 cco MEPHISTO HUSH PUPPIES TIMBERLAND AND MORE!!! CLEARANCE CLEARANCE CLEARANCE CLEARANCE CLEARANCE CLEARANCE 1894 Scugog St., Unit #5, Port Perry oop sasics pLaza) ¢ 905-982-0606 focus@observerpub.ca FOCUS - MARCH 2007 3