Albert C. Parker

1936 - 2021

Albert Charles Parker Jr., 84, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2021 in Saint Georges-de-Didonne, Charente-Maritime, France. Al Parker was born on December 10, 1936 in Bell, California to Edith and Albert Parker, Sr. He was the middle child of three, between sisters Frances and Sandra. He graduated in 1954 from South Gate High School, received an Associates from East Los Angeles Junior College, and served in the U.S. Army (1956 – 1959) and stationed in La Rochelle, France. It was there that he met Paulette Puyravaud, a French native employed by the U.S. Army. The story goes, he approached Paulette and said "Mademoiselle, vous etes la plus belle du monde" (You are the most beautiful girl in the world), but instead of "plus belle" meaning the most beautiful, he accidentally said "poubelle" which translates to trashcan. Luckily for everyone, Paulette had a sense of humor and they were able to move on from that awkward first encounter. After Albert's hitch in the Army, they were married on May 7th, 1960 in Louveciennes, France. Soon afterwards, Albert brought his wife, Paulette to the United States, and set up their first home in Huntington Park, California. They later settled in nearby Downey. Al continued his studies and received a Bachelor's degree in Art from UCLA in 1965 and a Master's in Art from Cal State Los Angeles in 1970. They had two children, Corinne Marguerite (1962) and Veronique Isabelle (1970).Al's talent in art extended to carpentering, constructing cabinetry and various forms of woodwork. He was often at his table saw on his driveway in Downey. His skills included masonry, plumbing, electrical, etc., all put to creative and practical use in his homes.For over 35 years, Al taught art at 13 Middle schools in the Alhambra School District. Mr. Parker was known as having unique ideas and overcoming obstacles to further his vision. Various large student projects included a Vincent Van Gogh slideshow accompanied by Don McLean's Starry, Starry Night, murals designed and painted by students on school campuses and stop motion animation on Super 8 film. A few times when the school district chose to cancel the art and music programs, Mr. Parker helped parents and students organize noisy protests at school board meetings, persuading the board members to reconsider their budget cut decisions. While he taught, Al began to delve into writing and self-publishing, with his own mail-order business called "The Ticking Mind Company", marketing humorous books and posters he created for teachers and school staff. Al converted his garage from a wood-shop to a print-shop, purchased a printer, taught himself to print and in true DIY fashion, designed and printed posters, booklets and marketing postcards. Paulette helped manage the orders and bookkeeping. Al seemed to enjoy the writing aspect of his business, because he never stopped. Most everyone who met Al was entertained by a magic trick. Albert became infatuated with magic at an early age, studied the life of Harry Houdini and performed magic tricks with any willing audience. Al enjoyed many magic shows throughout the years, often visiting the Magic Castle in Los Angeles with his good friend, amateur magician and pianist, Raymond Grismer.Al and Paulette also enjoyed traveling every summer to the southwest of France and occasionally exploring other French regions, as well as England and Italy. Their granddaughter Anastasia (Stacy) was their biggest joy and they brought her along on many trips. The Parkers spent good times with family and dear friends throughout the years. They enjoyed many weddings and parties in both California and France including Corinne's marriage to Dirk, welcoming his daughter Alex to the family. Several weddings were officiated by Al, his last, for his granddaughter Anastasia, adding Duanne to the family. Sadly, Paulette passed on in 2005 leaving Albert alone with cherished memories of his beloved French bride. In his last years without Paulette, Al immersed himself in writing stories and plays, some of which were acted out by his friends on a stage he assembled in his home in France. A memorial service was held on Thursday, October 14, 2021 at the Fauconnet funeral home in Cozes, Charente-Maritime, France. Albert was preceded by his mother Edith, father Albert Sr., sister Frances, and wife Paulette. Albert is survived by his sister Sandra, daughters Corinne and Veronique, granddaughter Anastasia, nieces Dora and Lisa, nephews John and Darrin. Our deepest gratitude and appreciation go out to Paulette's niece Mathilde Rambeau and the Rambeau family, in addition to many dear friends who were so helpful during this time. Albert was laid to rest next to his beloved wife at the Cimetiere Des Bois, in Saint Georges-de-Didonne, Charente-Maritime, France. In lieu of flowers, we ask for donations to the Alhambra Educational Foundation (1603 Chestnut Street, Alhambra, CA 91803). Artist, teacher, author, builder, magician, philosopher and so much more – Al will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.