Beloved husband, Father, and Brother, Walter Crosby Parks (Walt) died on Jan. 24, 2023 from complications of cancer.
He is survived by his wife, Cathie Parks; daughter and son-in-law, Maggie Parks and Tim Clair; and brothers and sisters, Steve Parks, Patricia Parks, Gordon Parks and wife, Marsha, Maureen and husband, Don Schmitz, Norman Parks; and nephews, Michael Schmidt and wife, Lia, and Eric Kosarot and son, Liam.
Walt was born on Christmas Day, 1948, to Robert and Marion Parks. In the early 1950s, the family moved to Tokyo, Japan, where they lived for three years. Upon their return to Portland, Oregon, Walt, along with his siblings, attended Cathedral Grade School. His high school years were spent at Mount Angel Seminary where he graduated in 1966. He then went to college where he received a BA degree from Portland State University in 1971.
Shortly after, Walt joined the Navy where he finished first in his class so he was able to request his next assignment as the administrative cleric to the Base Commander in Iceland. There he took the opportunity to travel extensively throughout Europe. He was honorably discharged in 1973.
He moved to Sacramento where he worked for Wilson’s Antiques in Folsom, California. Working there, he acquired a lifelong passion for antique clocks and furniture. Next, he worked for the Madrone Management Company managing properties in the Sacramento area.
While in Sacramento, he pursued an MBA where he met Geri Gail. They were married and had a daughter, Maggie, born in 1985. They were married for seven years.
In 1987, he assumed the position of contractor administrator at Rancho Seco nuclear plant for the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD). In 1996, Walt took early retirement from SMUD to move to the Olympic Peninsula where he owned vacation property. There, he especially enjoyed a beautiful view of Dabob Bay.
Later, he met and married Cathie Mooney. They enjoyed traveling the world via cruise ships including China, Australia, Iceland and the Netherlands. They lived in Brinnon very happily until his death.
Walt was a caring spouse to Cathie, a loving father and an affectionate brother. He was well educated and well read. He was reserved in nature yet an interesting conversationalist. He enjoyed reading history, native plants and birdwatching.
The family requests donations to prostate cancer research in his memory.
