Photo: Belleville Legion Branch 99
A well-known Belleville businessman and community member has passed away.
Tributes are pouring in from community members paying respects to Alvin Parkhurst, who died on Saturday at 99 1/2 years old.
Parkhurst made his name in the bussing business as the owner of Parkhurst Transportation (now Switzer-Carty Transportation) after being involved in the Navy as a young man.
Parkhurst got started in the transportation business in 1946 by using his veteran’s allowance and buying Lamour’s Taxi.
He along with his sister Eurithe, her husband Al Purdy, brothers Gordon and Bernard and his dad, formed and drove for Diamond Taxi before the company bearing his name was formed.
Along with his wife Audrey, Parkhurst was instrumental in starting the Special Needs Children’s Association in 1957, which involved them both being volunteer drivers for people in need.
Parkhurst was also a member of the Belleville Legion Branch 99 and the Belleville Lions Club.
Last year, he was honoured for his years of dedicated service to the community with an ANAF Unit 201 Life Membership.
Parkhurst leaves behind his family, including daughter-in-law Brenda, grandchildren Sherry and Steve, grandchildren-in-law Rob and Suzie, great-grandchildren Brandon, Daniel, Nathan and Carley and great-great grandchildren Alex and Avery.
He was predeceased by wife Audrey and sons Jim and Greg.
Funeral and visitation details are still pending.
