Douglas Russell Parker

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