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City University of New York New York University

MORTEN PARKER Obituary

PARKER--Morten, film director, writer, producer, and educator, beloved by his family and friends, passed away in New York City on May 26th. He had some fifty documentary and narrative films almost all of which he wrote and directed to his credit. His numerous, distinguished national and international awards included: two Academy Award nominations; First Prize, Venice Film Festival; four CINE Golden Eagle Awards; two First Awards and Film of the Year Award, Canadian Film Awards; and First Prize, Associated Film Writers Competition. Mr. Parker was a former senior producer-director at the National Film Board of Canada and later co-founded Parker Film Associates with his wife, filmmaker Gudrun Bjerring Parker (Officer of the Order of Canada). He served as a United Nations Expert in Film Production and, for three years, was UNESCO Film Advisor to the State of Israel. He further served as Special Advisor on Communications to the Prime Minister of Jamaica. In the political field, Mr. Parker directed, wrote and produced films, TV spots and radio spots, often serving as general media manager, for political campaigns. The Paley Center for Media, New York City, has his political work in its permanent collection. He was Associate Professor of Film at New York University, where he was awarded the NYU Award for Teaching Excellence, and held the same position at CUNY. Engaged and involved until the end of his life creating, writing, teaching, mentoring - Mr. Parker had begun principal photography on a new film with his producing partner and friend, Paula Orndoff. He is survived by his wife Gudrun Parker, his daughter Julia Parker and her husband Edward Struzik all of Edmonton, Alberta; his daughter Martha Parker and her husband Adam Gopnik of New York City; and grandchildren Jacob, Sigrid, Luke and Olivia. Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, he would have been 95 on July 27.

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Published by New York Times on Jul. 13, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for MORTEN PARKER

23 Entries

Dr. Patricia A. Farrell

February 19, 2023

I took two film courses with Mort at NYU and loved them. He was a generous man who knew his craft and served his students well. I'm sorry he is gone, but we have those memories.

Patricia Flowers

July 25, 2014

I affectionately always called him "Parker." He was my former NYU professor and friend. We often talked about movies--dissecting and/or defending a film's detail and structure. He was a really kind, and well poised man. I will miss him and our talks.

Morten Parker - NYC

Geoff Hellman

July 23, 2014

One of the most significant story-lines in the History of Progress in Civilization is the evolution of social ideology about diversity and uniformity. Morten's lifetime achievements include his use of the documentary film to address the definitions and policies that encourage inclusion, and governments to adopt formal attitudes in favor of diversity. To recognize the greatness and genius of the tranquil and steady humanity Morten Parker exemplified, his selfless devotion to our society and the citizens who constitute it, his respect for ethics, religion, and the arts and how he put them together in his distinguished career for our collective benefit, is to honor a humble man, consumed with love towards all, Morten Parker.

Micki Mihich

July 23, 2014

I'm tinkering with my film in post-production and still catch myself thinking, "Can't wait to show that to the Professor", and every single time I have to "wake up" and sigh... but somehow I just keep doing it. I guess subconsciously I refuse to accept you're gone (thus my writing directly to you). Or maybe you aren't? Since I've met you as a student at NYU almost ten years ago we hit it off immediately and our long talking sessions extended to your home and then to my family - my wife Simone started going with me - and then our son Thomas. You've followed closely as our family expanded as well as our projects, always supporting us and giving advice and warmth. You've been a teacher, a friend and a mentor and I don't think someone like that just leaves, he sticks around through all the knowledge and insights he's bestowed upon you. So if on one hand I mind - a lot - not being able to visit you anymore, on the other I guess I don't mind "waking up" and sighing; just please keep showing up.

The day we took Thomas to meet Morten on July 14th 2011.

Simone Bueno

July 23, 2014

It has always been a pleasure to visit Professor Parker. He would receive us as we were his own family, he's always made us feel that way. His soft spoken voice, his brilliant experiences and ideas, the way he would live every moment, his sense of the world as he would live forever always gave us such a joy that any short visit would end up in a late return to our home.
Thanks Morten Parker, you are forever in our hearts, we will never forget about you and we will make sure to keep following your wise advices.

Max Katz

July 22, 2014

At film screenings and personal reviews of our works we confided to each other "Well, wha dyou think?" Mort's honesty was always sharp and kind.

A rose I grew and photographed in my Venetian garden

Giuseppe Bovo

July 20, 2014

I met Morten Parker only a few years ago at the DGA in NYC. Morten was the best New York could offer. I am grateful to The Venice Film Festival for giving him the recognition he deserved. And, as far as I am concerned, Morten was the last wise friend I had in New York City. Thank you, Morten! I will miss you.

July 18, 2014

Dear Julie, Martha & Paula,
Words can not describe your love and devotion ... He is unforgettable. I loved him dearly, since he was an extension of my childhood and later on my NYU film teacher, friend and fashion critique. We often exchanged ideas about writing, film, music, art, world history, Israeli politics but also shared the love of food & Jewish culture. A segment of his sharp wit, humor, warmth, kindness, generosity, dignity, refined taste and joie de vivre, will always stay with me. He gave so much and even in his last days, still made plans for the next century ... His laughing eyes are now in my heart and my heart is with you - - -
RuTea

Avi Hoffman

July 17, 2014

Morten taught a documentary film class at NYU, which I had the privilege of taking 20 years ago. We maintained contact over the years and his constant support and encouragement has now led to my producing an important Holocaust documentary project with some of the leaders in the field. Morten was a generous and loving man and he will be sorely missed. z'l

Alice Primm

July 17, 2014

I met Morten through our mutual friend, Paula Orndoff, and the times I spent in their company are very precious memories, indeed! I'll always remember Morten as the kindest man, full of compassion for and interest in others. He was, as all who knew him can attest, so intelligent and yet his curiosity about so much of the world was one of his greatest charms. Often, when you meet someone of such accomplishment and experience, they can seem to exist in a world of their own; but Morten was fully present, fully engaged. He was interesting, encouraging, nurturing, imaginative, and a gentleman. I adored him and will miss him greatly.

Brian Feeney

July 17, 2014

I worked with Morten at NYU. He was such a nice guy it was always a pleasure talking to him. Always the consummate professional we would talk about the newest film technology. He must have been around 90 at the time. Truly amazing.
He was also very accomplished but not the type to brag. I know the people who worked with him at NYU and the students will miss him. My thoughts are with his loved ones.

July 17, 2014

Morten was an extraordinary man. It was a privilege to know him. His gentle kindness and concern for others, his generosity of spirit, his brilliance will never be forgotten. I don't think I will ever see a film again without thinking about dearest Morten. He will be missed every day...forever.
Alice Fixx

Selena Covington

July 16, 2014

I was a student of Professor Parker at NYU. He was one of the best professors there! He taught with passion and I learned so much from his film classes. I still have my class notes and I reference them often. I also enjoyed chatting with him about film projects over coffee. It was a true honor to know him. He will be missed. :(

My son Elias' middle name is M. M for Morten. I look forward to telling my son all about Morten as he grows.

Karina Lelutiu

July 16, 2014

Karina Lelutiu

July 16, 2014

Dear Julie and Martha, my sincerest condolences. Although we have never met, he constantly spoke of you and your children with such warmth and pride. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help during these difficult times. I would love to be of help.

Morten was the best professor, mentor and friend anyone could wish for. I simply cannot say enough thank yous. I will forever cherish the many afternoons we spent sipping tea and chatting about everything under the sun.

Thank you, Morten, for your love, wisdom, kindness and friendship all these years. I love you and will miss you so much!

Nikki Tugwell

July 16, 2014

My dear friend Morten or “Professor Parker” as I first knew him when we met at NYU in 2010. It was a privilege to know him and I miss him greatly. A beautiful man with an incredible sense of humour, so generous with his time and knowledge. I'll always remember you.

Megan Wallner

July 16, 2014

Professor Parker was passionate about teaching and always willing to support and encourage his students. I will always remember how he was willing to meet and encourage us to achieve what we wanted out of life. He will be missed.

Sydney Perlmutter

July 16, 2014

Dear Julie and Martha,
To me Morten was more than a cousin. He was a brother. I lovingly called him "Micky" and to him I was "Shike". A close relationship established during our Winnipeg days continued a lifetime. I will miss him dearly.

liza Fiorentinos

July 16, 2014

Morten was one of the most gracious gentlemen i have ever met. Polite, witty and warm at every turn. Wishing you a great journey Morten!

Alison Mirth

July 16, 2014

Morten and Paula directed my husband in a wonderful film and were kind enough to let me be part of the process. The world has lost a talented artist, but also a kind, empathetic, and generous man. I will miss him.

Ronald Blumer

July 13, 2014

My condolences. I so enjoyed knowing him.

Susan Glickman

July 13, 2014

I have many fond memories of Mr Parker, as I knew him in my childhood in Montreal. Always dryly humourous, he treated children with respect and engaged them in genuine conversation. My heart and thoughts are with you all, especially Julie and Martha.

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