Ralph "Bud" Parker

Ralph "Bud" Parker, 87 of Holland died peacefully at Freedom Village on Monday, March 19, 2018 with his wife Dorothy by his side. Ralph was born on May 2, 1930, in Lansing, Michigan to Ralph and Hermione (Warner) Parker. He married his college sweetheart, Dorothy "Dot" (Newhart) in 1953. Together they shared and raised three children: Randy Parker (Battle Creek), Pam Sault (Crystal Lake, IL), Scott Parker (Battle Creek). Ralph is survived by his wife, children, six grandchildren; Kelly & Ryan Slagh, Jeffrey & Jennifer Parker, Aaron Sault, Adam & Stacy Sault, Kayti Sault; six great-granddaughters; brother David & Carol Parker (Shelby Twp, MI); sister in law, Mildred Pinney (Libertyville, IL) sister-in-law, Marlene & Dave Poulton (Sturgeon Bay, WI); many nieces, nephews, and extended family. Bud graduated from Flint Central High School and Albion College. At Albion Bud played Varsity baseball as pitcher and was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity. Upon graduation, he began his business career with Michigan Bell Telephone in Flint and Saginaw. Shortly thereafter he followed his passion for investing and joined Merrill Lynch in Saginaw where he enjoyed a successful 37-year career as broker and Vice President before retiring in 1993. Ralph was active in the Saginaw community as volunteer and leader in numerous organizations that he was passionate about including the arts and church. Bud's outgoing personality and energy contributed greatly to the strong relationships he built and the important contributions he made. Following retirement, Bud and Dot retired to Hilton Head Island for 16 years where he continued to build strong friendships and contribute his energy. During the summer months, they lived at the family cottage on Lake Charlevoix in northern Michigan. The cottage and beautiful lake were the magnet that drew the family together for many of the most memorable family moments and experiences with Bud, or Papa as the grandchildren re-named him. Bud and Dot were literally world travelers, enjoying trips to England, Israel, Turkey, Thailand, Russia, Mexico, many Caribbean Islands as well as exploring the beauty of the U.S on many family trips. Bud's leisure time pleasures included fishing, golf and art. His paintings, drawings and photographs adorn his and other family members' homes and the cottage. When Bud and Dot moved to Holland in 2011, they brought their enthusiasm for life, their warm friendly personalities, humor, and their passion for contributing to Freedom Village. Bud, always the joiner, contributed to many committees and activities as well as taking advantage of the numerous educational and cultural activities the college town has to offer. Bud is described as one of the good guys, he touched the lives of countless people over the course of his long life, and our loss will be felt deeply by all. A Celebration's of Bud's Life will be 10:00 am, Saturday, March 31, 2018 at Freedom Village Auditorium, 145 Columbia Ave., Holland, MI 49423. Memorial contributions may be made in Bud's honor to Freedom Village Resident Scholarship Fund c/o Holland Zeeland Community Foundation.