PARKER, H. Lawrence
H. Lawrence Parker, retired Managing Director at Morgan Stanley, Dies at 89, after a lengthy battle with cancer, H. Lawrence, "Larry," Parker died peacefully on October 21st, surrounded by family at his home in Hobe Sound, Florida. He is survived by his devoted wife, Reggie Hawes Parker, his daughter, Katherine Goldsmith, and his two sons, Richard and Michael. A son, Douglas, predeceased Larry in 1976. His family also includes seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his two sisters, Nancy Welbourn and Alice Ober. Born and raised in the Northeastern U.S., he attended St. Andrews School in Middleton, Delaware and enlisted in the Marine Corps days after graduation in June, 1944. "PFC" Parker served during World War II aboard the U.S.S. Atlanta, a part of the Third Fleet in the Pacific Theater, and was among those participating in the first landing of American troops on Japan at the Yokosuka Naval Station in Tokyo Bay in late August, 1945. The honor of serving as a Marine was as strong at the end of his life as it was in 1944. "Once a Marine, always a Marine" was his way. Larry graduated from Yale University, then immediately went to work for Morgan Stanley & Company in 1950. Rapidly distinguishing himself for diligence and for cultivating trusting and close relationships with clients, Larry was the youngest man to be made General Partner ever in 1959. Over the years he managed key accounts like GMAC, The World Bank, and Weyerhaeuser and also served as Chairman of Morgan Stanley Canada Limited from 1979-1983. He also served a term as president of the Investment Bankers Association of America, his national organization, from 1969-70. He had a distinguished career at Morgan Stanley and retired as a Managing Director in 1983. During these years, Larry hosted his family for four-season activity during vacations in Stowe, Vermont. After retirement Larry divided his time between cattle ranching in Daniel, Wyoming and his life in Hobe Sound. Always a lover of horses and the mountains, Larry joined his neighbors in frosty dawn cattle drives and hay cutting marathons and journeyed into the Wind River Range with friends and family on pack trips and elk hunting excursions. Winter trips to Wyoming meant skiing at Jackson Hole, where Larry shared his great joy for skiing with his children and grandchildren. In Florida Larry was very active raising money for the Jupiter Medical Center Foundation and working at key volunteer roles at the Jupiter Island Club, most notably as chairman of the Golf and Green Committees. Throughout his life, service to others was important. A special facet of that service was his high respect for all involved. He also served as Commodore of the Hobe Sound Yacht Club and was an active member in the United States Seniors' Golf Association. He was a member at Augusta National Golf Club for over 40 years and served on the Admission Committee for nearly twenty years. In addition, he was Chairman of the Committee responsible for the production of the annual film of the Masters Tournament for over three decades. Larry is remembered by friends and family as a true gentleman. His generosity, kindness, respect for all, love of the outdoors, and zest for life inspired those who knew him. His family was paramount, and he knew the power of being there for others, undertaking countless trips to graduations, weddings, sports events, etc. Nothing was more important to him than his family. Larry Parker, "The Pard"...a life well lived. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Larry's honor to the Jupiter Medical Center Foundation at 1210 South Old Dixie Highway, Building East 1002, Jupiter, Florida 33458. A memorial service will be held on Jupiter Island, January 23rd at 4:30 at Christ Memorial Chapel.
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PalmBeachPost.com/obituariesPublished by The Palm Beach Post from Oct. 25 to Nov. 2, 2015.