John "Jack" Neil Parker

July 27th, 1935 — December 21, 2011

John Neil Parker was born in Portland, Oregon, on July 27th, 1935, to parents Clarence M. and Marjorie (LaChance) Parker. Jack was the second of six children and earned the title of “adventurous runner’ by the time he was two. Anxious to explore the Montavilla neighborhood, he would sneak off sometimes being located as many as two miles away. A fun loving kid, Jack was everyone’s friend. He loved to tell stories as a young kid and as an adult.

Family Camping and fishing trips filled Jack’s summers. When he outgrew his paper route, he joined his father in the summer working in the family landscaping business. There Jack learned a lot about landscaping that he later passed onto his children and grandchildren, but more importantly, he learned a commitment to hard work and dependability.

Jack’s mother loved poetry and introduced him to the Works of Robert Service; Service’s writings became a lifelong enjoyment for Jack. Jack excelled at history and passed on his interest to his younger siblings.

Jack loved backyard basketball and even after he became an accomplished college player, always had time for a game with the kids in the neighborhood who looked up to him. He had a paper route where he earned money for the Saturday movies at the Academy Theater in Montavilla and to purchase BB’s for his BB gun. He and his brothers used their guns to keep the rodents at bay in the fields around their home and in war games with neighbor kids.. Jack transported his sister Jeanie on his bike to kindergarten and was her protector. His only sister, he was her hero. Jack went to Vestal and Glencoe Elementary Schools and graduated from Washington High School in 1953. At Washington High School Jack flourished. He made the All-Star Basketball team and was recruited by Sharky Nelson to play at Portland State College.

Jack enrolled at Portland State College and played for the PSC basketball team from 1953 to 1957 under head coach Sharkey Nelson. During the four years Jack played for PSC, they traveled all over the state, to the orient and twice to the national basketball tournament. Playing in the OCC, Jack held the PSC single game scoring record of 45 points in a game until this record was broken in 1970. Jack was 2nd team all-conference in 1956 and 1st team all-conference in 1957. Jack had great memories of his teammates and opponents and to his dying day remembered this part of his life with great affection.

On September 15, 1958, Jack exchanged wedding vows with Susan Pierce. They met at PSC as college sweethearts and he loved no other until the day he died. Jack and Susan have three sons. Steve, married to Lisa, lives in Columbus Ohio. They have four children, Aaron, Joel, Laura, and Ian. Michael, married to Kristin, lives in Beaverton. They have four children, Chris, Katy, Alyson, and Natalie. Dave and his wife Cathy also live in Beaverton. They have two children, Nicholas and Ellie. Jack and Susan built a close knit family and time hasn't changed that.

Jack was drafted into the United States Army in 1958 and served 2 years as a member of the 35th infantry. Stationed in Hawaii, he was a proud member of our armed services and represented his company on their basketball team. Jack spent a good portion of his time in the service representing his unit and division playing basketball. After being discharged, Jack was an active participant in the local AAU basketball league. He played for the Portland Outdoor Store, and with Priestley’s. This league featured hotly contested games, with many local players who had graduated from Oregon colleges.

Jack worked for the Blitz Weinhard brewery for 26 years in the shipping department. Known as "Big Jack" to his coworkers, he will be remembered for his work ethic and attention to detail. Jack was a larger than life character and those that knew him will smile as they remember the many stories from their days at the brewery.

In his later years, Jack enjoyed playing golf. He could be found most days enjoying a round at Meriwether or other local golf courses. After each round you could find him in the clubhouse telling stories with the numerous friends he made.

Jack leaves a legacy for his 3 children, 5 grandsons, 5 granddaughters, and a great grandson. Jack was honest, hardworking, and calm in moments of crisis. Jack was an ordinary man who produced a happy, successful, and grateful family. This was truly his greatest accomplishment.

Jack is predeceased by his parents Clarence and Marjorie, and brother Roger. Survivors include his loving wife, Susan; sons Steven, Mike, and David; brothers Allen, Richard and Douglas; and sister, Jean Edwards Gergen.

A Celebration of Jack's life will take place in Skyline Memorial Gardens Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday, January 12th, 2012, at 1pm.

Please visit Jack's Internet memorial and online guestbook at: www.skylinememorialgardens.com