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Brian R. Parker was born to Allan and Edith Parker on September 9, 1937. He passed away peacefully February 14th, 2009.
He was born in Los Angeles, and as a child he and his family relocated to Seattle. He graduated from West Seattle High School in 1955. Afterward he attended University of Washington and began a long career at Safeco Insurance Company.
He worked at Safeco until 1975 when he opened his own agency. He remained in the insurance industry through his 41 year career. Most recently, Brian lent his lifelong knowledge of the insurance industry as an adjunct instructor for the Institute for Extended Learning (SCC) where he inspired and educated young hard working career finders. His students admired and appreciated his commitment to their success and strong desire to create opportunity for their future.
Brian loved music and in the early 60’s he played in a popular Seattle Rock n Roll band, The Saints. During the late 1960’s after a short stint with stock car racing, Brian turned his ambition for speed and adventure to boat racing. He competitively drove a 280 class hydroplane, The Calypso, thus catapulting him to hero status in the eyes of his children.
Brian was actively involved in his community. He was a past board member of the Independent Insurance Agents Association, past Charter President of the Aurora NW Rotary club and recipient of the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow award.
He is survived by the love of his life, best friend and wife, Kathryn. He is preceded in death by his parents, Allan and Edith Parker. He is survived by his father and mother-in-law, Dick and Betty Sewell; his sister, Cynthia Parker; and brother Allan Parker; he is survived by six children who are grateful for the life example he gave us. He taught us about the kind of people we want to be: Son, Timothy Parker (Jan) and their son, Daniel; son Peter Parker (Gloria) and children Ryan and Shannon; son Stephen Parker (Sharleen) and children, Peter, Heidi and Michael; daughter Christy Marzetta (Mike) and children Luke, Jennifer and Kaycee; daughter Ronda Parker and children Stephen and Hailey; son Christopher Stewart; granddaughter Sarah; numerous brother and sisters-in-law; nieces, nephews; five great-grandchildren; and many dear friends.
The greatest gift in his life was his wife, Kathryn; they shared nearly 27 years of romance, humor, respect and love. He believed that it was the little things in life that mattered and took pleasure in showering Kathryn with random ways to surprise her or just say I love you. Love is everything. Family is forever. Brian was so proud of each of his children.
He will be remembered for his love of life. Seeing each new day as an adventure. He enjoyed numerous hobbies including antiques, guitar, classic books, fishing, landscape gardening and training for Bloomsday. His enthusiastic zest for life touched all those lucky enough to cross paths with him.
Brian is the kind of man that makes us all better for knowing him. He was well loved.
"Time is irreversible
Work with Purpose
Play with Abandon
Love Forever"
Brian R Parker, 2-10-2009
In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial
contributions be made to,
The Women’s & Children’s Free Restaurant,
1620 N
Monroe, Spokane, WA 99205
or
American Heart Association,
140 S Arthur Suite
610, Spokane, WA 99202
Our entire family extends heartfelt thanks to the
doctors, nurses and staff of Spokane Cardiology
and Sacred Heart who gave their all to the best
care available for our father. You are our
HEROES!----From the family of Brian Parker.