Samuel Guy Parker, age 74, died on August 30, 2018 at the University of Minnesota Fairview Hospital in Minneapolis due to complications during heart surgery.
Sam is survived by his wife, Diane; his brother, James Parker; and his sister, Wendy Parker. He was preceded in death by his father, Clyde Parker; his mother, Dorothy Parker; and his brother, Daniel Parker.
Sam was born on October 17, 1943 in Scranton, Pennsylvania, to Clyde and Dorothy Parker. He graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1965 with a degree in business and continued his education in land surveying. He became a licensed land surveyor in 1969 and worked for Egan, Field and Nowak in Minneapolis before starting his own land surveying business. He was a past member of the Minnesota Society of Professional Surveyors.
Sam married Diane Anderson in 1966. He and Diane moved from Prior Lake, Minn. to the North Shore in 1991. Settling in Lutsen, they partnered in Sam’s surveying business. Together Sam and Diane drove hundreds of survey markers in Lake and Cook counties and together they were embraced by the beauty of the lakes, woods, and streams of this place.
Beyond his love for nature, Sam enjoyed astronomy, music, and local political service. He served as a member of the Cook County Planning Commission and the Board of Adjustment for 10 years. Sam’s faith taught him to treasure the intangibles in life – friendship, love, and laughter. Sam was a gentle man who lived his life with integrity and compassion.
A celebration of his life will be held September 22 at 11 a.m. at Zoar Church, Tofte with a luncheon to follow. Pastor Daren Blanck and Pastor EvaLyn Carlson will officiate. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Sam’s life.
Leave a Reply