Eugene Parker

1929 - 2022

Eugene Mason Parker (Gene to Colorado friends, Euie to NY family), 92, passed away in hospice in Longmont, CO on October 29, 2022. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Denise Parker (nee Tibbitts) and is survived by his four children and their spouses Mary Parker (MIke Brosanhan) of Sedona, AZ, Doug Parker (Trish Parker) of Firestone, CO, Tim Parker (Shari Williams) of Broomfield, CO and Paul Parker (Sonya Wytinck) of Boulder, CO as well as his four grandchildren, Isabelle Brosnahan, Bridey Brosnahan, Andy Parker and Jessica Parker. Eugene was born on November 20, 1929 in Sherrill, NY where he attended Sherrill high school, graduating in 1947. After high school he worked at the Oneida Silverware company and at this time he met the love of his life, Denise. He joined the Navy in 1951, asking Denise if she would wait for his return, and served on the U.S.S. Irwin (DD-794) during the Korean war. He and his family were very proud of his time in the Navy. The connections made with these men and their families were treasured and in their honor he served as the treasurer of the annual reunion for his shipmates and was also a Trustee for the Boulder post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Upon discharge from the Navy, Eugene returned to upstate New York to marry Denise in Oneida in 1956 and start a family. Mary was born in 1957 and Doug was born in 1959 in Troy, NY. Gene earned a Bachelor's of Mechanical Engineering degree in 1960 from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and after graduation he worked for the Foxboro Company servicing precision measurement instruments. This work took the family to Denver, CO where Tim was born in 1963 and then back to Sharon, MA where Paul was born in 1965. They had fallen in love with Colorado and were able to return in 1967 where Gene continued his career at IBM in Boulder. They purchased the second house to be built in the new Heatherwood neighborhood (Gunbarrel), choosing a lot to maximize their views of the flatirons. Denise and Gene were always very involved in their community and served on the Heatherwood HOA, with Gene doing much to ensure the development and maintenance of their local park. That park was named "Parker Park" in their honor in 2021. Gene resided in that home for 55 years, and only in his last year moved to a senior residence in Longmont, CO. While at IBM, Gene started to work part time at McGuckin Hardware to learn the hardware business. In 1979 he left IBM to open D&G Hardware in Arvada which he ran for about 20 years. His first attempt at retirement did not fully suit him, and he returned to work part time at McGuckin in 2004, fully retiring in 2011. Gene was a devoted husband to Denise and many people met them about town in Boulder, Niwot and Longmont as she suggested dinner or a drink out and he always acquiesced. He was the stalwart of the Parker family and will be missed. Gene’s life will be celebrated on Sunday, December 11th with an open house from 1-4 at the American Legion Post 10 (4760 28th st.), Boulder, CO.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to TRU Hospice.