Henry Parker

Wasilla and former Fairbanks resident Henry “Hank” Parker, 83, died peacefully Dec. 22 in Wasilla.

A memorial gathering is planned for the summer of 2010 and will be announced at a later date.

Henry was born Oct. 8, 1926 to Frank and Mary (Carlo) Parker in Rampart, Alaska. He lived most of his life in the Fairbanks area. Henry enlisted in the Navy in 1944, serving three years in the Philippine Liberation until he was honorably discharged in 1947. He continued serving our nation in the Naval Reserves. After his military service in World War II, he returned to the Fairbanks area. He was a member of the Laborers Union Local 942 on the North Slope for 25 years until he retired.

Henry homesteaded in the Chena Hot Springs area where he built and operated the Angel Creek Lodge for a number of years. After retiring, he devoted his time to his Angel Creek Lodge.

He was a member of American Legion Post 11 in Fairbanks. He loved to fish, hunt, hike and pick blueberries outdoors. He especially enjoyed grayling fishing as often as he could at his lodge.

“Henry is loved by his family and friends. He was well-liked and made friends with everyone. Henry will be missed by all,” the family wrote.

Henry was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Greg and Herb Parker. He is survived by three sisters, Marcia (Parker) Gentzler of Everett, Wash., Martha (Parker) and her husband, Lloyd Keefe of Everett and Ellen Marie (Parker) and her husband, Ken Clark of Wasilla; one brother, William “Willy” Parker of Anchorage; he also leaves numerous nieces, nephews and cousins in Alaska and Washington; plus many friends and acquaintances.

Condolences may be sent to the family C/O Ellen Marie Clark, 961 Gail Drive, Wasilla, AK 99654.

Arrangements were by Valley Funeral Home & Crematory.