Richard Emmett Parker

Nancy & Craig invite Friends and Family 
to A Celebration of the Life of
their dad, Richard Parker
We will raise a glass & enjoy his favorite sweets
Saturday, May 11, 2024
 3:00pm to 5:00pm
 at The Bluffs Clubhouse
3900 Riva Ridge Dr. Fair Oaks, CA 95628 

(6:00pm Private Family Dinner following the celebration)

Richard ‘Dick’ Emmett Parker- dedicated husband, father of two, and friend to many- passed away on March 13th, 2024, at the spry age of 93 in Sacramento, California. He was born on January 24th, 1931, in Alhambra, California, to Merle and Richard Parker. He was a loving brother to two sisters- Beverly Lovik and Janet Adams.

Richard came of age and graduated from Taft High School in 1949. Always a seeker and supporter of education, Richard earned a degree in Psychology at the University of California Santa Barbara and earned an advanced degree in Education and Counseling in Fresno, California, while working as a juvenal probation officer and welcoming a son Craig and daughter Nancy.

Richard met the love of his life, Lois Van Epps, during Oil Dorado Days in Taft California. After a beautiful courtship, documented in countless love letters, the two were married in Taft in 1956. After living in Fresno, California for several years, the newlyweds moved to Sacramento, California, and bought a Mid Century Modern House near American River College where he secured a job.

Richard served the academic community at ARC as an instructor, counselor and administrator for 30 years. He was a seeker of knowledge, a lover of humanity, along with being a lover of cars, foreign and domestic, water sports, and camping. Always up for an adventure, Richard and Lois purchased a 5th wheel trailer and hit the road affording them the opportunity to explore the continental US, Canada, Mexico and beyond – these were some of his self-proclaimed fondest memories.

Always a true gentleman, Richard will forever be remembered as a widely beloved man, survived by his children Craig Parker and Nancy Parker Osiecki, his grandchildren Sarah Parker, Richard Parker, Carly Creelman, Cody Creelman, and his great grandchildren Damian and Makenzi O’Neill and Rowan Creelman. He is also cherished by extended family, numerous friends, beloved neighbors, former students and animals alike, especially his dear dogs, the late Skippy 1 and the current Skippy 2.

His endearing smile, quick wit, twinkle in his eye, and the warmth in his presence will be fondly remembered by all.