Richard A. Parks

Dear Richard, David, and Paul,

I'm not sure if you remember me, but I spoke about your father at the dedication for his art collection at UGA in 2008, and again at the 75th anniversary meeting of GOS on Tybee Island in January 2011. I'm so sorry that I was unable to attend the funeral service, but I was out of the country when your Dad passed away. Dick was a longtime inspiration and mentor to me.

Our admiration for him and for what he did for GOS and for birds led us to arrange for GOS to establish the Richard A. Parks Young Birders Camp Scholarships in 2006. Since then, that scholarship program has helped to send 18 young people to birding camps in Colorado, California, and Maine. Your Dad sent a wonderful notecard of thanks to me about that scholarship program, complete with his artwork on the cover featuring a peregrine falcon. I treasure that card, and it sits on a shelf in my study at home, the walls of which feature three of his framed paintings. He was also very gracious to me about what I said and wrote about him on the occasion of the dedication and restoration of his collection at UGA.

He was such a fixture both at the general meetings of the full society, as well as at the business meetings. At the latter meetings I was always cognizant of the privilege of his presence, and found myself habitually looking to him whenever we voted on some issue, to make sure that Dick was in agreement. He was often in pain when I saw him, especially that caused by his eye, but he always chuckled when I inquired about him and his health saying, "I'm still here!" I miss him.

If there's anything I can do to help in this painful time, please let me know. We will, of course, write a lasting tribute to him in the next issue of the society's journal. It's the least we can do for a man who meant so much to all of us in the ornithological world.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Bob Sargent

David, Angie, Matt,
So sorry to learn of your Dad/Grandad's passing. In reading what a special and talented person he was, I know you will truly miss him. Love & prayers, Craig & Deborah Bowen (Webb) Harple

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AT THE TIME OF SORROW PLEASE READ PSALM; 46,1

Paul, David and Richard,
Your Father was incredibly talented and I know the good memories will always remain. Our Lord blessed you with two terrific parents but they are now together. I know you will find comfort and strength from your Father in the days to come. He truly cared about his family. May God bless you always.

Debbie Driskell -Atlanta, GA

With deepest sympathy to the Parks family during this time of grief. God is for us a refuge and strength, a help that is there to be found during difficult times. May God provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead.

I wish to express my sincere sympathy to your family as you mourn the loss of your dear loved one. May you find comfort knowing that, ''GOD IS FOR US, a refuge and strength, a help that is readily to be found …Psalms 46; 1.

My sincerest condolences to the Parks family. May you and your loved ones receive comfort and strength during this difficult time by drawing closer to our Creator through prayer and from His word as well as from your cherished memories and from each other. Is. 25:8.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

To the Parks family,

I am sorry for your loss. You, and your family will be in my prayers.

With deepest sympathy and may family and friends find comfort in Gods inspired word the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16).

My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Richard A. Parks. His interest in birds is shared with many people, including myself. I can appreciate a man who finds peace in reflecting on God's creation. I know he will be missed. I will remember you all in my prayers.(Psalm 4:1)

Dear Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Ability and skill to give artistic expression to the beauty of God's creations is a loss to everyone. May the beauty he created in your lives sustain you through this difficult time. Something that may sooth your hearts too is the promise that Mr. Parks will be back with you continuing where he left off – John 11:20-25

Dave I am very sorry for your loss. Any man who cared that much for some of God's finest wonders must have been a wonder in his own right. Peace be to him and your family.

Dick's friendship & mentoring are priceless,going back to 1969, in my case. The memories during yers afterward, are counless. they'll be with me always. Helen Ogren

Dick was a great influence on my life and joy of birding. I have several of his prints and have always admired his talent. Fond memories of Christmas Count weekends with Dick at Sapelo Island in the late 60's.
Louis Schweizer (Tiger, GA)

Dick you were a wonderful friend to Kate and I, not to mention a friend to everyone. We enjoyed our meals together, visits at your home and the numerous (long) phone calls. We truly loved and respected you as a person and artist. And we enjoyed the many laughs arising from your keen sense of humor.

My respects - may your birding in Heaven bring you many Life Birds to inspire your art and your heart.
Kathleen Casses

Dick and my mother(Anne) birded together my whole life. An artist myself, I was so excited when Dick came over. One time, when they were leaving on a bird walk, I asked if he would draw me a bird to color. He did. I asked him what kind of bird it was and he replied "it is called a tanager". When they arrived home I had traced it over and over and colored them like every type of tanager there is. He was so tickled by this. So glad he was a part of our lives.

I don't remember a time when Dick wasn't around. He has been a family friend since I was old enough to remember. I always admired his art ability. When I was little I wanted to be able to draw that well but sadly I just don't have the skill. He had the gift. My wife Kristina and I will treasure our Dick Parks print we received as a wedding gift.

I'm sorry for your lost. May your family rely on God in this time of grief.

Like so many others, I have Parks prints hanging in my home. One of them, the yellow-throated warbler, was presented when he attended my wedding in 1987. Dick was always a good friend to me.

Dick Parks was a rare bird. His beautiful artwork of birds and plants adorns many of our homes, nature centers, and even the Georgia Governor's office. He was kind, generous, funny and extremely talented. He will be missed in many circles and always remembered.

"The tide may erase our footprints, but only for a moment, for having walked here once, we remain always." With deepest symmpathy to Dick's family. In spirit from Bob Manns, who had huge respect for Dick and Didi Manns who did as well.

Dick was a wonderful man and gifted artist. I'm pleased to have several of his prints in my home and in my son's home. I'm sure Dick and Dot Freeman will be doing their own Christmas Bird Count in Heaven this year!!

Dick was a great birder and bird artist. I, too, have a print of the Orchard Oriole and have always admired it. He was a fine gentleman.

For forty plus years I've had the best friend a person could ever have. Dick and I participated in many birding activities including attending meetings, going on field trips, and doing numerous Christmas Bird Counts. We also shared an abundant social life. Being a people person, Dick loved a good party, and he didn't mind suggesting that we plan one either. Among the many we attended over the years, one highlight was that one year we went to three New Year's parties the same night! He also appreciated good music and escorted me to the opera. He was a true southern gentleman, and it was my honor and privilege to have been a part of his life. I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the family. And Dick, rest in peace my dear friend.

With deepest sympathy to Dick's family. The beautiful Orchard Oriole print on my wall is now even more special, keeping Dick in my memory.

Dick was one of the founding members of the Georgia Ornithological Society in 1936. He was a very gifted artist and birder and will be missed by our members.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Richard Parks. Nancy & Walt Fowler