Vale Bede Parkes (nee Collins)

It was with great sadness that I heard the news of Bede’s passing last Friday (17.6.2022).

Bede would have been one of the best known and much loved Icons of Helensburgh. A devout believer of her Catholic faith, she put her Christian beliefs to a very practical purpose. Bede was a great cake and biscuit maker who could also knock up a great sandwich at any short notice. She would stand in the main street next to Coles most Saturday mornings on not only her church stall, but many other local voluntary group stalls on a regular basis. If you were looking for her on a Saturday morning, you would certainly know where to find her.

She would also provide refreshments, especially her delicious scones to many local bereaved families on their funeral day for the wake afterwards, no matter what their religious beliefs were. I would find it very difficult to say with any accuracy how many families in the town she has given much needed help to over 50+ years of her great community service, but it would be in the hundreds.

It was great to see her recognised for her community services when she was awarded an OAM in 2020. I can think of no one more deserving of this great accolade than Bede, who did it all out of the goodness of her heart.

Bede, may you rest in peace and I know we will find it hard to replace your great love and kindness for your fellow human beings. We should have a Council plaque placed on the alcove wall in your honour called Bede’s Corner.

– Jim Powell, President, Helensburgh District Historical Society