Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Edward A. "Coach" PARKER

About

Jesuit High School Mills High School University of San Francisco

Edward PARKER Obituary

PARKER, Edward A. ''Coach''
Edward passed away October 28, 2009 at the age of 79 with his wife Barbara at his bedside. He is survived by his daughter Sharon Garcia and his son Aaron, three granddaughters, one grandson. Edward's life work was devoted to working with young people as a teacher and track coach at Mills High School. He coached both nationally and internationally which included seven Olympians. The words that most described him by his fellow coaches and athletes were ''innovative and integrity''. Education was always in his forefront. World history, natural history, and geography were his priorities whether teaching, learning or traveling. Hiking and volunteering as well as coaching pole vaulting at Jesuit High School were his idea of semi-retirement. ''Meals on Wheel'', Special Olympics, Outing leader with Inner City Kids, Boys and Girls Club were just a few of his passions. He will be missed for his gentle spirit, passion for coaching and doing ''the right thing''. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Special Olympics No. California, 3480 Buskirk Ave., Suite 340, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 or to the Pacific Assoc/ USATF c/o Jim Hume, 1561-B Marina Ct., San Mateo, CA 94403.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Sacramento Bee on Nov. 3, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Edward PARKER

Sponsored by Sharon Parker Garcia, daughter.

14 Entries

Paul Eley

January 4, 2025

Thank you Coach. You are remembered and loved and honored!

Paul Orgeron

January 18, 2010

I loved Coach Parker. I will keep a good thought for him and remember his kind and giving nature every time I am able to keep my patience with one of my Boy Scouts. Mr. Parker taught me more about running, life, responsibility, caring and selflessness than all my mentors combined. I will never, ever forget him, and how much he meant to me and my fellow runners from the 1966 - 67 Cross Country and Track teams at Mills High School. He helped me to be a better man.

He was one in a million, and we were privileged to have been associated with him.

Stephen Denney

December 8, 2009

I ran track at Mills from 1965 to 1968. Mr. Parker impressed me as someone who had a cool temperment, yet was totally involved in his coaching. He coached us all year except during the fall when we ran cross country. He took us to many interesting places for track meets, and encouraged us to run above our level. It was also my main social outlet at the time and it is nice to see some names of people I remember back then.

Ed Parker and Cis Schafer Braun

November 9, 2009

Mr. Parker and his famous tennis hat

November 9, 2009

Cis Schafer-Braun

November 8, 2009

Spring, 1965, there I was on the Mills High School Track, dressed in blue jeans,tee shirt and tennis shoes. "Let's go see what you're made of", he would say as my parents watched. I jumped onto the track and took my place behind 3 girls and 3 boys and off we all went for a 220. Of course, I thought I was done but little did I know I had 19 more to do!
As a pretty young 12 year old, I wasn't exactly sure where this was all going but I knew I was hooked! This funny little man wearing that silly little hat would push and motivate me for the next 12 years to be the best I could be and then some. He believed in me more than I did myself. His passion and dedication for his students and athletes was above and beyond. He was truly a gift. Little did I know at the time he was molding my foundation of life as a professional and a person. I thought I was training for the Olympics! As a teacher and coach myself, not a day goes by where Mr. Parker's philosophies are not present in my own lesson plans and workouts. Mr. Parker has touched and influenced so many people's lives and I am so fortunate to been one of those lives. Thank you to his family for sharing him with us. And thank you to my Millbrae Lions teammates whom I share such wonderful memories and times. I am so lucky to be a part of Mr. Parker's "circle". Cis Schafer-Braun

Devie Nelson

November 8, 2009

In 1964 I walked onto the San Mateo High School track and met Ed Parker. He introduced me to Olympian Pat Winslow who encouraged me to "sign up!" To see if I had any talent, Ed asked me to run a 220. I asked him how I should pace myself. He said "full speed the whole way". I thought he was nuts but I ran full speed, finished the distance and signed up for what was to become a wonderful, positive life altering adventure. Later we moved practice to Mills High School and ran for the Millbrae Lions. Thanks to Ed, I met a group of amazing women that, to this day, I am proud to say were my teammates. At a time when there were few opportunities for female athletes, Ed provide a forum which enabled us to shine, each in our own way. To Ed's family, thank you for sharing him over the years with so many. He was an amazing man and will always be in my heart.

Sharon Parker-Garcia

November 8, 2009

Thank you for visiting Ed Parker's site with us. We hope you will find comfort in sharing your memories; we already have....

Shari Clenard

November 4, 2009

Mr. Parker was a huge influence in my life as my track coach. Little did I realize what he taught me extended way past high school and track. He made me believe I could accomplish anything I set my mind to. My favorite bit of advice is when he told us "Be sure to eat healthy, because staying fit takes work and it won't be so easy when you are older." Well he wasn't kidding... I laugh every time I am on a diet and think of that. Today I am a certified SPINNING instructor and tribute that to Mr. Parker. Shari Clenard (Mills High School 89)

Tina Meyer

November 4, 2009

Sharon and family: so sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. He sounds like he was a fabulous man that did so much for others. Hold his memory close to your heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.... love tina meyer

Leslie Silvers

November 3, 2009

As a track team member in the late 70s at Mills High, Coach Parker knew I would make a great 'rabbit' for our 'star' runners in the 880. I ran a good lead lap, helped paced the 'stars' and would fade in the 2nd lap. Coach Parker made me feel like my contributions were worth it for the team. I appreciated his kindness. He will be remembered fondly. Leslie (Armstrong) Silvers

LandSpeed Louise

November 3, 2009

Never met the guy, but if his daughter beamed about her dad the way most dad's would beam about their kids so that tells you he was a hero at home and at school.

With that level of admiration, the letting go is that much more wrenching. May God bless Ed and the family, providing a good measure of comfort and solace in the coming days.

November 3, 2009

My Prayers are with you Sharon, and your Family at this difficult time.
you have been a good daughter.......

Sharon and Eliseo Barbosa

Jim Pappas

November 2, 2009

Ed was more than a teacher and a coach. He was a mentor, and a role model. He had a vision for you and he was always willing to have you take just one more jump or one more run. He led us to several championships and he inspired us to push ourselves. As an adult, he mentored me as a coach, and I am still working with young pole vaulters. He supported me in become a police officer, and he assisted me in developing “The Coach is a Cop” program. Even though he moved away, he would always keep in contact with a Christmas letter.
Every time I step onto a track, I think of Ed Parker, and I know he will always be with me. Ed Parker ran his last race, and he truly is the winner.

Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results