David Bernard Parker, 96, a longtime Clear Lake resident and businessman, passed away at his home on Thursday, July 17, 2014.
David was born December 14, 1917 to George and Alex (Trudeau) Parker. His pioneer family settled in the Beaver Lake Valley in 1894. His great grandchildren are the 7th generation living in Skagit County. He married Ruth Broe in 1940, in Arlington. David served in the US Army during WWII in four campaigns, earning a Bronze Star while serving in France. He had attained the rank of First Lieutenant before coming home to Clear Lake. Mr. Parker owned and operated “Parker’s Serve-U”, later to become the Clear Lake Market, for 50 years. He also was on the Clear Lake Volunteer Fire Department for 35 years. Parker always had a project or two going, enjoyed fishing, spending time with his friends, and cooking dinner every Sunday for his family up until he was 95 years young. The wonderful home he built on Clear Lake with its swimming dock has been an epic gathering place for family and friends. His generosity and fairness is legendary to anyone who had the pleasure to know him.
David is survived by his only daughter, Susan (Richard) Swetman and his grandson, David Thompson, and granddaughter, Anna (Todd) Wright; his great grandchildren TJ, Hailey, Parker and Abby Wright; numerous nieces and nephews; and business partner Scott (Sylvia Trask) Thompson.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth and brother, Jack Parker.
A Graveside Service will be held at 1:00, Thursday, July 24, 2014, at the Clear Lake Cemetery, with military honors, followed by a reception at the Odd Fellows Hall in Clear Lake. A time of visitation will be available from 9:00 to 5:00, Tuesday and Wednesday at Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley. Memorial contributions may be made to the Clear Lake Historical Association, Clear Lake Elementary School or the Clear Lake Fire Department.
As a kid I went to Parkers Serve-U alot. I lived just a few blocks away from the store and across from Clear Lake Elementary School. I remember buying candy bars for ten cents and penny candy at the store. During Halloween Dave would serve free hot dogs on a bun to any trick or treaters that showed up at the store. About 15 years ago I went back to Clear Lake and walked inside Parkers store. The same ol’ refrigerator units were in service, and the lay out of the store had not changed that much since I was a kid. It was the 1960s and 1970s that I spent a lot of time at Parkers. Evelyn’s Tavern was just next door. And the old abandoned Tavern was right next to it. Chester Boyd was still alive and kickin’ and lived behind the two taverns. I guess I knew everyone there was to know in the little town of Clear Lake. I am happy that Dave lived a long life until he was 96 years old. Parkers Serve-U will always be there in bright photographic clear vividness in my memory…until the day that I die. I think Dave Parker was a good man and lived a good life. Dave Parker will always remind me of the movie character George Bailey (the Jimmy Stewart movie called, It’s A Wonderful Life). He was a prominent community leader in a small town and gave back year after year to his community.
I am sorry for the loss of your father Susan..may God wrap you in His arms..
he was a great man in clear lake.
This obit is the story of a wonderful life. It was my great fortune to be a neighbor and friend of David. Condolences to his family. Clear Lake is so much better for having had David Parker and his many contributions. I am proud and grateful to having been your friend. See you the other side! Good voyages to you in the meantime!
Dave has been my best friend since before I can remember! He told me about coming home on leave and holding me for the first time only about 2 years ago, as he entered reminiscing era. I didn’t have to wait to see him at work, as my folks spent a lot of time together with Dave & Ruthie away from work, helping each other with projects, dinner together, fishing and just plain having fun. Along with working together at the store, we had a great time working nights & weekends cutting locker & wild game for extra money. After my Dad, who was Dave’s partner died in 1958, Dave took over as my surrogate dad- something that an 18-year old sorely needed at the time. He has always been there for fatherly advise whenever I had to talk to someone. He NEVER gave out bad advise! I’m going to miss him a lot!