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Douglas Russell Parker passed away on December 21, 2017 at the age of 61. He was born on May 22, 1956 in Corvallis, Oregon to Melva and Ralph Parker. He grew up in Sweet Home and moved to Gresham where he graduated from Gresham High before attending Willamette University.
Doug was a loving, supportive, and treasured husband and father to his wife Barbara and son Brian; beloved brother to Melinda Sullivan and Michael and James Parker; and uncle to many nieces and nephews.
After working in the construction, restaurant and insurance industries, Doug returned to Willamette University to complete his education and pursue a career as a high school social studies teacher. He found great satisfaction working with students as a teacher, mentor and advisor. He was a gifted storyteller well known for his dry sense of humor, and for the many creative learning opportunities he generously provided. His students commented that, “Mr. Parker inspired us to make the world a better place”, and recognized and thanked him for “being an amazing example of a human being”. Another student added, “I hope to become the kind of teacher, and more importantly, the kind of parent you are. I always love watching the way your eyes light up when you talk about your son.”
Doug was a voracious reader and enjoyed travelling and spending time with family and friends in the great outdoors. He was an avid fisherman, rafter/kayaker, hiker, bird watcher and environmentalist. His was a rich life.
A celebration of life will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, January 14, 2018, in Cone Chapel of Waller Hall at Willamette University. The family suggests remembrances to the American Cancer Society or The Nature Conservancy.
American Cancer Society
https://www.cancer.org/?&gclid=Cj0KCQiA4bzSBRDOARIsAHJ1UO7-Y18-9kOmqoaPf4wzhy5RNRkeNCkNTYpExM_FimVBIHjwGRdDHCYaAisUEALw_wcB
The Nature Conservancy
https://support.nature.org/site/Donation2?df_id=12640&12640.donation=form1&sbid=B01&crid=VP15&set.SingleDesignee=15097&src=sea.awp.prnone&suslb=yes&gclid=Cj0KCQiA4bzSBRDOARIsAHJ1UO55KHgooOQeW-v-jQxYEgoxdt39ykZapHcnSpUUuYADl9Ok0ZbcDLIaAgVeEALw_wcB
Celebration of Life
Sunday, January 14, 2018 @ 3:00 PM
Cone Chapel of Waller Hall at Willamette University
To the family and friends,
I am very sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. God will being our loved ones back to life. Jesus promised this at John 5:28,29. It says:
"Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out....."
If you would like free Bible studies to bring you comfort, you may ask any one of Jehovah's Witnesses to make arrangments.
Dear Mindy, I remember your Grandmother Gwen and Grandfather Russ had pictures of you and your brothers on a side table in her Newberg, OR home. I don't remember him really well yet I am sure we all played together at family gatherings and picnic with my Grandmother Helen and Grandfather Carl Huber. My love and prayers to you and your family and my deepest sympathy. We will all be together someday in heaven and won't that be glorious!
Fantastic Tribute to your Brother....So sorry for your loss ...I lost my Brother Brock last year during Thanksgiving week end... He was young to just 57.... Know they are both in an amazing Place!! Love your post about Spring, The Cherry Blossoms and how Life just keeps on trucking.... Wish we could talk to them for a few hours one more time!!! Sending Hugs!
Jim Byron and I send our deepest sympathy to Barb and Brian, knowing that your loss is unendingly deep. We also send hugs and wish we could attend the service. He was a great friend.
I met Doug when we helped coordinate Freshman Glee at Willamette in 1975. We worked together as House Boys for Delta Gamma Sorority, where he started his romance with Barb. His passion for nature and love of family existed even then. Despite a long distance friendship, my affection for all of you remains deep and sincere. Barb and Brian, may his love continue to touch you as strongly as his memory shall remain with me.
To know Doug was an honor, he was an amazing man, a wonderful father and a best friend. He will be missed by everyone who knew him, everyone that felt his kindness, his love.
He truly was an angel on Earth that finally earned his wings and flew home.
Mindy, so sorry to hear about your brother, Doug. I didn't know him, but I know how special he was to you. Hugs and love, Sue