Gary Dean Parker

Gary Dean Parker was born May 2nd, 1947, and said farewell to us on March 8, 2018. He is survived by his wife, soul mate, and best friend, Margo. They were married for over 30 years and there is no greater example of true love. Their undying respect, trust, and faith in each other is a phenomenal example of marriage.

He is also survived by their 6 children (Matt, Stacey, Shawn, Kim, David, and Patty), their significant others, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his mother Louise and sister Donna.

He loved his children and their families fiercely. Even after they had grown, he always did what he could to protect them and give them a sense of security. His biggest legacies are those 6 kids. No matter what life throws at them, they will forever carry a strength that could only be learned from their father.

It is difficult to put into words the number of lives Gary has touched. He retired as a Captain from the USAF after 24 years of service to his country. While in the Air Force, Gary began studying to be an architect. However, his own self awareness told him he would never be the best at it, which was not an acceptable option. He began studying medicine and received his Physician Assistant degree. For 35 years, he gave his heart and soul to his job. After retiring from the AF, he became a permanent fixture in the halls of Tucson Medical Center's ER, first in the adult unit and later in the Pediatrics ED, where he found his true calling. There he fulfilled his purpose as a healer, a teacher, and a trusted mentor. 

Gary had many hobbies. He began cross stiching in 1990 while in the Desert Storm War and never stopped. He loved classic cars, building a 1956 Porsche and in his last years a 1948 Chevy 5 window pick up. He was an avid bowler, scoring the all illusive 300. He loved wood working and has left a legacy of wood furniture with his family.

There are not enough words to explain the kind of man Gary was. His daughter-in-law gave some when she said, "Pops, Papa, Dad, Gary.  He danced with me at my wedding, loved my babies, filled my home with amazing gifts he made with his own hands. He was too often the man behind the camera, so we don’t have enough photos of him to capture all he was to us.  But he was present, he showed up for us, EVERY time.  He was a quiet source of strength in all the moments of our lives, and I will miss that always.”