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Joe Parks Obituary
DOVER -- Joe B. Parks, 94, of Long Hill Road, died March 31, 2010, at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital after a brief period of failing health.
He was born Dec. 17, 1915, in McAlester, Okla., to the Rev. James A. and Florence Youngblood Parks.
He lived an amazingly full and happy life. He graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1939. He served in the U.S. Army medical corps in Europe and was awarded the Bronze Star.
After the war, he began a career in public service, working for several federal agencies and serving in the New Hampshire Legislature for eight years. He was nationally known for his work with rhododendrons and loved nothing more than sharing his gardens and his knowledge with other plant-lovers. Among his many honors were the dedication of a public garden in Dover in his name and being named a Paul Harris fellow.
IN HIS LIFE: Joe leaves his daughter, Anne Parks-Goss and her husband, Vladimir, of Hillsborough, N.C., and granddaughter Christine Goss of Lewisburg, W.Va.; his daughter, Kathryn Forbes of Dover, and granddaughter Moira Forbes and her husband, Jared Hughes, of Arlington, Va., grandson Kenneth Forbes and his wife, Connie, of Stowe, Vt., granddaughter Megan Forbes and her husband, Richard Brown, of Brooklyn, N.Y.; four great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and his beloved poodle, Buzz.
SERVICES: A celebration of his life will be held at the First Parish Church, Congregational on Saturday, April 10, at 10 a.m. Calling hours will be Friday, April 9 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Wiggin-Purdy Funeral Home in Dover.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joe Parks
Lynne Crocker
April 23, 2010
My heartfelt condolences to Kathryn and the other members of Joe's family. He was a lovely man. I knew Joe as a bibliophile and book collector, though we talked often of gardens. He was a wonderfully supportive client and friend for more than 20 years. I will miss him. Lynne
April 10, 2010
We will miss you Joe. The dogwoods that you gave us bloomed last year for the first time. They are so beautiful. They will be a constant reminder of you, your passion for gardening, and your generous spirit. Give our best to Florence, Ken and Kerry.
~ Dan and Karyn
John and Anne Perry
April 5, 2010
Joe was the epitome of a gentleman, always ready to lend a hand, generous with his good advice. Our sympathy goes out to his family.
April 5, 2010
The Homemakers Health Services extends its deepest sympathies to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time or sorrow.
The Homemakers Health Services
Pati Frew-Waters
April 3, 2010
Dear Kathryn and Family
Joe was an amazing man, a role model to many for his fine works of service, and an example to us all as he lived every day to the fullest.
Although he has left us his legacy will live on forever in the City of Dover.
Thoughts and prayers for all of you
Rich Lasonde
April 3, 2010
I feel lucky to have known Joe for the short time that I did. I finally met someone who shared the same passion I do for deciduous azaleas. I was so looking forward to learning a lot more from him. They just don't make them like Joe anymore. I'm sad that I will be away this weekend. I'm sure the celebration of Joe's life will be a happy one. See you on the other side Joe.
April 3, 2010
April 3,2010
Sorry to hear of Joe's passing, he was an extraordinary individual who contributed much to making Dover a better place to live. He was responsible for encouraging me to run for state representative, a great experience for which I am forever in his debt. We regret that we will be out of town next weekend and unable to attend the services.
Ann & Art Corte
Tiffany
April 2, 2010
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Parks passing. I only knew him a short amount of time but he was a witty, funny and all around nice man. He always had a wonderful story to tell. He will missed by all that knew him.
My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Our deepest sympathy to all of Joe's family and our sincere appreciation for the lasting contributions he made to the Remick Farm and Museum.
April 2, 2010
April 2, 2010
Dear Kathy and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Joe's passing, he was such a nice man and a wonderful gardening inspiration. His constant interest in everything, no matter what was going on in life, his joyous outlook, his quick smile - all will be missed.
Cathy McGuire
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