The Parksville community is mourning the passing of Duane Round, who died on Nov. 15 at age 66.
Round was the president of the Parksville Community Centre Society, in addition to service with the Lions Club and many others over the years.
“A lifelong advocate for community service, Duane left a profound legacy of dedication to inclusion, affordable housing and local development in the Oceanside region,” reads a news release from the PCCS.
Born in Chatham, Ont., Round was deeply committed to both his community and his family. He is survived by his devoted wife Carol, his son Jesse and his grandson Owen.
Beyond his professional endeavours, he cherished quality time with loved ones, enjoying family camping trips and the years they spent with a trailer at Spider Lake—moments that reflected his appreciation for simple pleasures and connection with those closest to him.
His involvement with the PCCS began in his high school years and spanned decades of transformative leadership. He was instrumental in guiding the centre through three major relocations: from its original Parksville Beach location to Jensen Avenue East in 2003, to its current home at 223 Mills St., revitalized in March 2022 following a 2020 relocation.
As a dedicated member of the Lions Club, Round served actively in Lions Housing and Kingsley Low Rent Housing Societies, serving as building chair for two affordable housing projects: Kingsley Manor and Hustwick Place.
“His commitment to accessible housing demonstrated his belief that community well-being depends on ensuring safe, affordable living spaces for all residents,” the release added.
Round’s additional roles included president of Inclusion Parksville, one term on Parksville city council and positions on the Society of Organized Services Board, alongside involvement in numerous other community organizations and initiatives.
“The Parksville Community Centre Society itself represents the resilience and community spirit that Duane embodied. Originally rooted in the 1923 Parksville Women’s Institute and formally established in 1996, the organization has evolved significantly,” the release said.
The society transformed an old Army barracks into the first Community Hall in 1947, opened the Jensen Avenue facility in 2003, and now operates at Mills Street with programs including the RecycleBC Pop-Up Recycling partnership.
“Duane’s generous spirit and kind heart inspired generations to collaborate for the greater good, ensuring a lasting legacy of compassion through the organizations he helped build,” the release said. “Duane’s belief in the power of unity reminds us all of the profound impact one dedicated individual can have, and his influence will continue to thrive through the organizations and community connections he helped build.”
A celebration of life will be held on Jan. 3 at 11 a.m. at the Bradley Centre in Coombs.
The community is invited to honour his memory by getting involved with the Parksville Community Centre Society’s ongoing programs and events.
For more information, interested individuals can contact the society through its website parksvillecentre.ca, via email at receptionpccs@gmail.com and 250-248-6234.
The Parksville Community Centre Society is deeply grateful to the Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce for recognizing our work as a finalist for the 2026 Community Builder Award at this year’s Business Excellence Awards.
December at the Parksville Community Centre was a season of warmth and connection, kicking off with the November 22 Christmas Bazaar and continuing through heartfelt gatherings for local residents.
A Joyous Milestone at the Parksville Community Centre!
HAPPY HUMMINGBIRDS CHILDCARE
