Parkes was born in Victoria, British Columbia, but grew up in Dunnville, Ontario. He played in the Ontario Hockey Association senior league from 1914 to 1921 and was named to the league's first all-star team in 1919 and 1920. In 1921, Parkes signed with the Pacific Coast Hockey Association's Vancouver Millionaires, where he played for three years. He then spent one season with the Montreal Maroons of the National Hockey League in 1924–25.
Parkes also curled, and played in three straight Briers for Ontario from 1938 to 1940, winning the Brier in 1939.
Parkes died in Woodstock, Ontario, in 1948. He was survived by his wife and three children.

Return to Ernie Parkes Autograph Profile