ParkhurstPirates

The Team expresses our sincere appreciation to our current sponsor Switzer-Carty Transportation for generously providing us with continuity of support following their recent acquisition of our founding sponsor Parkhurst Transportation (see article in the Intelligencer here).

The Team would also like to thank our founding sponsor, Parkhurst Transportation. Nearly 70 years ago, Alvin Parkhurst and his late wife, Audrey (née Watson), began building a family transportation business whose name would become familiar throughout Belleville and the Quinte Region. Their commitment to the community extended well beyond business: beginning in 1957, they helped establish services for children with special needs and volunteered as drivers themselves. That legacy of service continued throughout Alvin’s life. A Navy veteran, philanthropist, businessman and devoted member of several charitable and veterans’ organizations, he received numerous honours, including the King Charles III Coronation Medal (local coverage and additional coverage), the RCAF Association Humanitarian Award, the Belleville and District Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award, and Life Membership in ANAF Unit 201.

Alvin passed away in February 2026 at the age of 99½, leaving behind an extraordinary record of service to the community. His passing was marked throughout Quinte, including by journalist and Pirates alumnus Brock Ormond, in a subsequent Beyond the Headlines tribute, and in remembrances from Rushnell Family Services, Remembering.ca, and members of the community. Parkhurst Transportation supported the Pirates for our first 10 years, helping us grow from a young group into the team we are today. We have chosen to carry the Parkhurst name forward in recognition of that support, and of everything Alvin, Audrey and their family have given to the community we call home.