Arthur Lewis Parker

Art spent his younger years growing up on the family’s ranch in Walden, CO. His family later moved to LaSalle, CO where his father served as the Weld County Deputy Sheriff and Town Marshall. There he graduated from Valley High School, where he met and made friends who still play an instrumental role in his life. Art met the love of his life, Fran, while attending Colorado State University. They married on June 26, 1965 celebrating 56 years of marriage.

Art served in the United States Navy. In the Navy, he served as an Electronics Technician. He was able to identify his work on an A7 model plane when visiting the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, as well as a missile on display while visiting the Kennedy Space Center with his family.

After leaving the Navy, Art returned to college, and later moved to Greeley with his family where he began his career in real estate. Later, he attended auctioneering school, started his long-term career in the industry, which led to the creation and success of Parker & Company Real Estate and Auctioneers.

Art’s affection for horses, the Denver Broncos, the Greeley Stampede, and the western way of life, were shared and enjoyed with his family. Art’s true passion was to support his family in all their endeavors and to serve his community. Art was a constant patron of community groups, always willing to step up and volunteer his auctioneer skills. He was an active member of St. Peter’s parish for nearly 50 years. He was an avid supporter of youth and the agricultural industry where he served on the 4-H horse council alongside his daughters and as President of the Weld County Fair Board. In addition to his many positions in leadership, Art served as the President of LaSalle Jaycees, Colorado Auctioneers Association, Chairman of the Greeley Stampede and recipient of more awards and recognitions than his office walls could display.

Art was the longest serving Wrangler with the Greeley Stampede and recipient of the coveted Carl Hirsch Award in 1983. He was often found with a microphone in hand supporting the youth in the kid’s rodeo, the art auction or other announcer duties. He served on the Greeley Stampede Committee from 1989-1996 and remained involved in the Old Buckers’ Organization, serving in positions of leadership and as a member until his passing.

Art’s devotion to his community and colleagues has been recognized twice through Hall of Fame Inductions—the Colorado Auctioneer Association Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Greeley Stampede Hall of Fame in 2018 (Inaugural Class). Art received multiple community accolades too numerous to list here.

Art is survived and forever loved by his wife, Fran. He was the proud father of three daughters: Terri, Casey, Shelley; and doting grandfather to: Trent, Allie, Keaton, Parker, Reagan, Tynlee and Kyle. Art’s quick wit, constant smile, wisdom, generosity, and kindness made those around him always feel welcome and supported, leaving many extended family members, friends, and colleagues mourning his loss.

Art was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Marbel Parker, his brother, Ovid Parker and a brother who passed at infancy.

A funeral mass honoring Art will occur at 9:30am at St. Peter’s Church, on Thursday, January 13th, followed by a private family internment.

**A Celebration of Life Reception for all family and friends will be held at Greeley Stampede Event Center at 425 N. 15th Avenue at 11:30am. All friends are invited to speak and share memories of Art at this event.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to the Colorado Auctioneers Foundation to be used to recognize Art’s auctioneering colleagues who display Art’s same generosity towards others. Contributions can be made in Art’s honor at:

Colorado Auctioneers Foundation

c/o Walt Partridge

6577 Windfield Avenue

Parker, CO 80134

(303) 729-1195

https://www.coauctioneers.com/foundation/