Gary D. Parker's Obituary
Gary Duane Parker was welcomed into Heaven on October 2, 2010 by his Lord, Jesus Christ and by beloved family members who had gone before him. Gary had just celebrated his 60th birthday on September 8 and Gary died after a two year struggle with pancreatic cancer. Gary is loved by his wife of 41 years, Linda (Peterson) Parker, his son and daughter-in-love (Aaron & Christine Parker), his daughter (Bethany Parker) and three grandchildren with another on the way (Spencer, Lauren & Joshua Parker). Gary will be missed by his parents: Walter & Bernice Parker, and his siblings: Linda Rosema (Jack), Vicki Fritsma (Bill), Janet Chandonnet (Alvin with Gary in Heaven) and Dale Parker (Connie). His extended family who have special memories of him are his brother & sister in laws: Mark & Patti Peterson, Scott & Pam Peterson, Todd & Eva Peterson and Dennis Andrews (Diane with Gary in Heaven). Gary’s friends for 33 years, Bruce & Valerie Anderson, will remember the many trips and adventures as couples, and the guys’ work projects that “would take no time at all!” Gary’s many trips to medical appointments were made easier with conversation & laughter when he was accompanied by his “brother” Craig Smith. Gary began his faith journey as a youth at Faith Reformed Church where he also married Linda. He held the position of deacon, treasurer and sound tech at Fellowship Reformed Church during the years he & Linda were raising their children and most currently he was a member of Unity Reformed Church where the church family daily kept him in their prayers. Gary worked for 30 plus years in the automotive camshaft business as a manufacturing engineer acquiring lasting friendships both here and in several countries. Gary enjoyed the outdoors by going on hunting trips to the UP with his brother-in-laws, camping with family, fishing weekends with his brother & nephews and mowing the yard with his grandson. He loved Saturday garage sales, always looking for unique gadgets, and spent much time tweaking his several computers. Please come to share your memories and to recall life experiences you had with this special and gentle man with the family on Tuesday, October 5 from 3:00 to 5:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at The Lee Chapel, Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 6291 S. Harvey St. 231-798-1100. The funeral will be held at Unity Reformed Church (1521 Porter Road) at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, with visitation one hour before the service. The Rev. Kyle DeYoung will preside over the service.
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