Scott Parker

Charles Scott Parker

October 1, 1948 – July 17, 2021

“Scotty” Parker slipped away from us and entered heaven in the early morning on Saturday July 17th. His passing is a great loss to our family, but he is now at peace and telling stories, surrounded by his family and friends in heaven.

Charles Scott Parker was born on October 1, 1948, to James Fredrick Parker and Daphne “Francine” Parker. Scott grew up listening to stories about the rich history of both his father and mothers’ families. The Parker’s came to Astoria as pioneers in the 1850’s and the Gunderson’s, his mom’s family, settled in Knappton Washington. The Parker’s were very involved in the early development of the Astoria area developing land, building schools, serving public office, owning businesses including mills, a waterfront hotel, mercantile and delivery services, mail delivery and ship services. Scott had a wonderful childhood and loved to share stories of what he described as a Huck Finn childhood full of adventure which always included his great neighborhood friends. A kid’s paradise, the East End of Astoria was rich in places to explore, play, swim, fish and learn exactly what you were made of. Scott’s tales of close calls, near misses and tricks played were a testament to a time and era when life was good and troubles few. He particularly loved the “fort” that was hidden just far enough up in the woods to keep parents from spying.

Scott attended Astoria’s St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic School and was proud to be a lifelong member of the prestigious group of “Star” kids! Scott loved sports and played them all. Scott transferred to Astoria High School during his Freshman year where he excelled in football and earned the honor of first team all-metro. Like most of his friends, Scott absolutely loved this time of his life. Playing sports, dances, parties…more parties and the secret hideout at the jetty were all part of the good times and great memories made with lifelong friends. The adventures grew as did Scott’s ability to act quickly to protect others and solve problems as he always stepped up, and never back.

After graduation Scott attended the University of Oregon until he was drafted. Scott joined the Army and became a member of the 101st Airborne unit. Scott was extremely proud to serve his country and said he wanted to experience what war was like as his dad, grandfather and uncles had. He trained at Fort Lewis and was sent to Vietnam and became a machine gunner. He proudly inherited the gun after a fellow machine gunner, “Kentucky” was killed in action and who Scott always had deep respect for. Scott’s bond with his brothers in the 101st remained strong throughout his life. All heroes who together survived but like Scott had to deal with the aftereffects of their experiences and exposures.

Scott considered himself an ordinary man, but to most that knew him he was an extraordinary man.  Friends were treasures in Scott’s life, and he made many of them. Once a friend always a friend. He never saw a stranger and no matter where he traveled, he always would see someone he knew. Scott lived an incredible life, and he certainly was at his very best when sharing his many life experiences with others. He was a walking encyclopedia with his knowledge of the area’s history and the families living here. Scott was a fun loving, ballad singing, storytelling, ass kicking patriot that could tell tales like no other and in his words “let me tell you a story that will set your eyes to tears” was a great invitation. You just wanted to be on his side.  He loved to walk through town, go out to dinner or go to the grocery, where he would see friends and catch up with their lives. Home Bakery was a favorite spot for coffee and a maple bar or two. Another favorite was an evening at the Silver Salmon for a wonderful dinner that so often grew to 3 tables pulled together for friends and family or his favorite Friday nights at the Legion, singing Karaoke and telling stories with his friends.

Scott was named after his grandfather Frank Scott who immigrated from Ireland, which Scott was very proud of. Scott being a history buff, studied Irish history and Irish music his entire life. He spent years researching and collecting Irish music and knew all the old and new Irish bands, their music, and the lyrics to each song. He often wrote the lyrics out by hand to memorize the story being sung. He was Irish in his blood and soul. A visit to Ireland was gifted to Scott and son Scotty. It was a dream come true for both with most of their time spent researching, hands on the pub life, singing, sampling a wee bit of the hard stuff, and of course making more friends. Scott shared his love of music with his children. Teaching them his favorites with stereo booming and crazy dancing all night in the living room. Road trips were perfect training sessions to learn songs too. One of Scott’s favorite memories was attending a Bobby Bare concert with his children at the Astoria Armory.  The kids were invited up on stage to sing with Bobby Bare and they knew all the lyrics! Oh, what a proud daddy!

Scott was incredibly strong and enjoyed working out his entire life. He enjoyed a job that required physical strength and would have weights handy in every room, in the garage and in his truck. He joined gyms wherever he was working. When home he enjoyed working out, swimming laps, watching his grandson Jameson take swimming lessons and relaxing in the hot tub at the Astoria Aquatic Center.

Scott worked hard and spent most of his working career on the Pacific Ocean somewhere between Mexico and Alaska, often being gone for 2-3 months at a time.  He grew up on the waterfront with his dad Jim and Uncles Eben and Frank and the Astoria fishing fleet. He began fishing for his dad on the Rose Ann Hess when he was 9 years old. He continued fishing until he entered the Army.  After his honorable discharge from the Army Scott worked on several adventurous and memorable trips on the Salvage Chief in California and in Alaska. Captain, Reino Mattila and crew were experts at combining work with amazingly good times and have all remained bonded by their experiences and friendship. Scott crabbed or fished for many years. He acquired his Coast Guard ABE license and began a new career working for Foss Maritime in the Ocean-going division. Scott continued increasing his licensing with the Coast Guard.  He enjoyed his work and often “stayed gone” for long periods of time. Scott retired from Foss Maritime in 2018. Scott was a recognized and respected individual of the maritime industry and was invited to become a member of the Clatsop Community College Maritime Science Department Regional Advisory Committee in 1999. He gracefully accepted and volunteered to become the Chair of the committee and held that seat for six years of the twenty-two years that he continued as a member. Captain Parker’s position on the committee involved partnerships with employers from business, industry and education that committed themselves to helping students become well-educated, well-rounded citizens who have the skills and competencies necessary to secure rewarding careers in the Maritime Industry.

Scott was a proud member and Officer of the American Legion Clatsop Post 12 Astoria, The Veterans of Foreign War and the Elks.

Scott Parker was adored by his family and to them:  He was bigger than life. He was a man among men. He was a true hero. He was a man of his word. He had incredible strength.  He was a man of action. He would protect with his life. He was humble. He did what was right. He was intelligent. He gave great advice. He was a legend. He was a proud patriot. He lived to tell the tale and he told it. He expected little in return.  He stayed away too long but was Santa when he came home. His family came first. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and cousin. He played, teased, gave horsey rides, wrestled, and forever demonstrated his amazing strength to kids. Scott dedicated his life to providing for his family.

Scott is survived by his wife Mary Vice Parker of 41 years and children Jennifer Parker Hamaker and husband Justin, Casey Parker Roscoe and husband Mike, Laura Lee Parker, Scott Patrick Parker and Haylee Dundas, Brenda Kate Esser and Jim Burnett. Grandchildren Morgan Houck, Rylan Hamaker, Jake Hamaker, Parker Roscoe, Ava Roscoe and Jameson Parker Landwehr. Sister Gayle Parker, sister Peggy Hutt and husband David, brother/cousin Jimmy Gedenberg and wife Sheri. Nephews Danny Riser, Zach Storey, Monty McCleary, Grady Parker and nieces Christina Riser, Megan Parker and their families, numerous wonderful cousins, and Sister Rosemary Ann of Portland. Scott was proceeded in death by his parents Jim and Franny and brother Little Jimmy Parker.

Scott was a blessing to us all. The family would like to thank the many friends and family that reached out to Scott during these past months.  The calls, visits, cards, letters, and emails meant so very much to him. The reminiscing and telling stories, sharing memories with uncontrollable laughter were the best medicine and his favorite way to spend the day. Thank you for the meals, and goodies too.  We would also like to thank the Astoria Fire Department for their kind assistance and Providence Seaside Hospital staff for their loving care of Scott.  

Memorial contributions may be made to the Scott Parker Memorial Scholarship C/O CCC Foundation 1651 Lexington Ave. Astoria Oregon 97103 or the American Legion Post 12 in Astoria C/O Ocean View Funeral and Cremation Services 1213 Franklin Avenue Astoria Oregon 97103

Services are in care of Ocean View Funeral Home and will be held on July 31st at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea, Catholic Church, 1411 Grand St. Astoria. Graveside services will follow at Ocean View Cemetery 575 18th St. Warrenton. A celebration of life will follow and be held on July 31st from 2:00 -5:00 pm at Warrior Hall at Camp Rilea, 33168 Patriot Way, Warrenton Oregon. Please follow signs to designated parking areas.