Rick parker --r.i.p.

[Cornercarverfan]

Hi everyone,

My name is Justin and Rick was my Father. It's incredible to see the outpouring of good words about my Father, and to know he touched so many of you in a positive way makes my heart smile. He was a wonderful husband to my Mom Kathy and a great Dad who busted his ass to provide for us. He was my hero and taught me everything growing up. How to play catch, what it felt like to be pelted with a baseball (thanks Dad!), taught me how to drive and taught me how to wrench at a young age, which backfired when I tore down the lawnmower at age five. Oops? It was deemed easier to simply buy another. Same outcome for Mom's bike. You'd think by this point he would have locked the toolbox?

Mom and I miss him terribly. He had been diagnosed with what we thought was minor heart issues and had an appointment at UCSF for a more in-depth look at his ticker. Unfortunately, he won't be making that appointment. The morning this happened, Saturday, 11-15-14, after talking to Craig he was working to safety wire up some fasteners on the steering rack. I checked on his progress tonight (yes I will work to get his car completed in his honor) and it appears he was putting the finishing touches on everything. Just need to drop in the radiator, degas tank and reinstall the steering wheel and it should be completed (are our cars EVER complete?) my intentions are to take Dad for one last ride (he's being cremated) the day we gather to celebrate his life.

Mom and I are aiming to get everyone together Saturday, December 6th, to share tales and stories about my Dad. This will be in Modesto, CA 95350. Everyone is welcome and weather permitting bringing out the Snakes is highly encouraged.

Dad was very much loved by all. Those he worked with, those he fished with, those he bench-raced with and this thread alone is evidence of this. I truly appreciate everyone taking a moment to speak about my Father. Again, knowing he was so very known by people across the state, country and globe simply boggles my mind, however it doesn't really surprise me. He'd give a stranger the shirt off his back.

I'm gonna miss you Dad -

Love,
Your Pal