'Our safest place was taken away from us'

Family of man fatally shot in Etobicoke describes heartbreaking last moments

- EMILY FAGAN

Heather Parkes, wife of Delroy "George" Parkes, speaks to media with her daughter, Jaidyn Parkes, left, and Amy Jones, right, outside Toronto Police Service 23 Division.

It was a call no wife should ever have to receive.

As Delroy “George” Parkes lay dying, his best friend Dave was frantically trying to call George’s wife.

“No Georgie, don’t close your eyes,” he told his friend.

“Dave-o,” he replied, “I know I’m going to go.’”

By the time Dave got through, all Geroge’s wife, Heather Parkes, would hear in the background of the call was her husband saying he wasn’t going to make it.

This is how George’s daughter, Jaidyn Parkes, described the final moments in the life of her father, who was gunned down Sunday night in Etobicoke.

“He didn’t get to say goodbye,” she said tearfully.

Outside of the 23 Police Division, George’s family spoke to media Tuesday about the “unimaginable grief” the shooting has brought them and made a plea for justice.