Richard Jackie “Yogi Bear” Parker, age 80, a longtime resident of Sedro-Woolley, Washington passed away Friday, July 28, 2023, after a short battle with Cancer in Seattle, WA. He was born February 23, 1943, in Bellingham, WA to Cecil and Emma (Akins) Parker.
As a child, he went on many fishing and hunting trips with his mom, dad and brother, John, and that enabled him to teach the joy of these sports to his two sons, Richie and Michael that was enjoyed by all for many years. He also enjoyed watching wrestling on TV and going to Skagit Speedway with his young sons. To many, since he grew tomatoes so well, he was known as “’Mater Man.”
Richard began his working years by first working for his father who owned Cecil Parker Logging and then Ensley Logging. Years later, he worked for numerous manufacturing companies where he was astonished to learn he could have lunch in an actual lunch room, not out under a tree in rain, cold, snow or horrible heat.
In later years Yogi and his son, Mike and his dog Lucy, spent time outside at the end of the day enjoying a Heineken or a Rainier discussing the day. To honor and bid farewell, Mike invited some local friends and family (as far away as Germany) to toast a Heineken at 5:00, or as Richard would say “Hannigan.”
Richard is survived by his wife, Sheryl; sons, Michael and his precious dog, Lucy, and Richie and his wife Maureen; granddaughters, Paula, Cristina and Diana; two great granddaughters, Natalie and River; brother, John; niece, Kelli and Alyssa; nephews, Joe and Tyler; sister-in-law, Berta Oster; numerous cousins; special ‘Lunch on Fridays’ friend, Dennis Bussing; good neighbors, the DeKoekkoeks.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A special thanks to Kelli, Joe and Tyler, who have been a blessing during this difficult time.
There will be a gathering for family and friends at a later date. A time of visitation will be available from Noon to 5:00, Wednesday and 9:00 to 5:00 Thursday, August 2 and 3, 2023, at Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley. Share your memories of Richard and sign the online guest register.
Just over 10 years ago we purchased the home across the road from Ricard and Sheryl. Little did we know what a blessing it would be. As the years passed Richard became more than a neighbor he became a part of our family, so we adopted him as our Sedro Woolley Dad/Grandpa. We will miss the many wonderful visits with him on the front patio while he rocked in a white wicker chair drinking a cup of coffee from his “Yogi Bear” mug. Snip! Snap! Snip! Snap! Green bean season is not going to be the same with out the help of Richard and his snip, snapping fingers. Each green bean season Richard and I had a neat routine. I would pick the beans in my garden and walk them across the road to Richard who was patiently waiting in the white whicker rocking chair with his special box in his lap and a white with red trim metal bowl on a side table next to him. When he was done he would call to let me know. We would take a guess how many quarters there was in the bowl. After canning I would call to let him know whose guess was the closest. Richard I will let you know how many quarts I get this year. Maybe we will get more than last year. Fantastic 100, Celebrity, and Early Girl were Richard’s ( Mator Man’s) favorite Tomatoes to grow. He sure had a red thumb for growing tomatoes. One slice would fit perfect on a slice of bread when making a mator sandwich. Going to miss those tomatoes.
Richard (Sedro Woolley Dad/Grandpa) you’ll forever be missed, but the many memories of the time we spent together will forever be held close to our hearts!
Miss you, Brian, Leslie, and Family
His smile can light up a room, he was always happy and just loved talking with anyone. I always called him MR. Parker or dad. I met him when he was my customer at the bank and loved him like he was family. He was an incredible man. Gonna miss you! 😭just love your family so much! It’s not gonna be the same even going to the casino when we do… we always look for you. ;(
My heart is soooooo sad. This family was a favorite on my mail route. They were so good to me. I’d get so giddy when Richard would walk towards the mailbox with bag full of tomatoes. And I never minded when he’d stick his head in my window and smooch my cheek. He’s going to leave a HUGE hole in this world. I’ll be praying for your hearts Cheryl, Michael and Lucy💙 Please let me know when you celebrate him I’d love to come 425-268-5817
You will be missed by all.
My deepest condolences to Sheryl, Michael, Richie, and the entire family. I’m sorry sorry. Richard has always been an amazing person. I’ve known him my entire life. Being two door down I’ve always looked forward to seeing him every single day. His big smile and wave. Bear and then Lucy riding in the truck. Talking maters and pickles. He kept a watchful eye on the neighborhood. Richard watched me grow up and my daughters. He just met my new granddaughter. Our family is going to miss Richard so much. I’m in tears. I’m sorry Michael.
I remember him since I was 5-years old. To me, he was Mr Make-it-Worse. I love and adore him like an uncle. Last time I saw was when he and his wife Sheryl took me to casino while I was in town for my Grandpa Sutton’s service.