Gordon Andrew Parker

Jul 24, 1946 -

May 6, 2020

As if 2020 wasn't an epically terrible year already, we are heartbroken to announce the passing of Gordon Andrew Parker Jr., on May 6, at his home in Anchorage, at the age of 73.

Gordon, "Parky" to his oldest friends and family, was born on July 24, 1946, in Shreveport, La., to Dr. Gordon Parker Sr. and Dr. Mari (Tullos) Parker. The Parkers packed up all they had and made the trek from Louisiana to Alaska in the summer of 1959. He returned to Louisiana to attend and graduate from Northwestern State College in Natchitoches with a degree in broadcast journalism. He considered himself Louisiana Proud and Alaska Tough, being a product of both states. From chief staff officer of a trade association, a senior executive at a telecommunications company, and as a lobbyist in Washington, D.C., always fighting for Alaska. At one point early in his career, Gordon even co-owned a movie theater in Nome. He was also a published novelist.

Gordon had a passion for cooking. He fancied himself a chef, spending hours reading cookbooks for recipes. He also was quite the history buff, the period of the War of Northern Aggression was his particular forte. Gordon loved to read detective mysteries such as Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot. He was also a sucker for black-and-white detective movies and Westerns. Gordon made sure to enjoy a daily cocktail hour, often making himself a martini or for a special occasion, a French 75. Later in his life, Gordon discovered the NFL and the New Orleans Saints to whom he became intensely loyal. He was sharp-witted and intelligent and owned an infectious smile.

Gordon was preceded in death by his father, Gordon Sr.; and his mother, Mari. He is survived by his two sons, Daniel and David; David's wife, Amber (Markley); and his six grandchildren, Sophia, Gabriella, Hannah, Quinn, Aidan and Remy. To his grandkids he was "Granddad."

Gordon wished to be cremated and his ashes spread over the Chugach Mountains.