Lynn J. Parker

Lynn J. Parker "Johnny" Sunrise: May 18, 1917 Sunset: September 7, 2010

OGDEN a€" A smiling and fun-loving man is now entertaining those on the other side. Lynn J. Parker left this earth on Tuesday, September 7, 2010, surrounded by his loving family. How lucky we were to have our Dad for 93 years!

After a bumpy ride up Ogden Canyon in the Model T Ford, Dad was born to Mark L. and Lulu J. Parker.

In 1933, Dad met our Mom, Irene Drake; four years later, they were married on July 19, 1937 in the old City/County Building on 24th St. In 1953, they were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. Dad and Mom resided in the old Drake home in Wilson Lane for 58 years; we all agree we had the best childhood ever growing up on the farm.

At the age of 16, he was working at the El Monte Springs Resort (now Rainbow Gardens) when he contracted Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Doctors predicted if he survived he would be paralyzed and certainly not be able to bear children. Eight children later, what did those doctors know?

Dad was one of the first young men to learn to ski jump at Test Hill in Ogden. He was named "Dynamite Parker" by those who watched him jump (on borrowed skies). He competed at Ecker Hill in Park City. What a thrill for Dad to be able to attend the ski jumping events at Park City at the 2002 Olympics!

Dad worked as a switchman for the OUR&D Company for 37 years. Years later, his knowledge of the Ogden railroads was invaluable when he served as the first Co-president (with Irene) of the Conductors at the Union Station.

Being a High Priest in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Dad served in many capacities.

He loved to watch all sports and was a season ticket holder to the Ogden Raptors and an avid fan of the Utah Jazz. For 15 years, they wintered in St. George where he was fortunate enough to make two "holes-in-one". Dad was creative and clever when it came to renovating, repairing, or building almost anything. His true talent and passion was restoring antique cars. He was one of the founders of the Golden Spike Vintage Car Club. He was a master gardener and generously shared his crops with his family and neighbors. In 2004, Dad and Mom were honored to be chosen WSU Homecoming Royalty.

The room was brighter and full of smiles when Dad was in it. No matter what the company or regardless of the circumstances, he could always sneak a colorful joke into a conversation. His grandkids would beg Grandpa to share one of those jokes, poems, songs, or stories, always giggling at his irreverent humor.

He is survived by his wife and eight children: Deanna Jensen, Placerville, CA; Ron (Madge), Bountiful; Barbara (Jim) Carter, Salt Lake; Sheri (Don) Scott, Roy; Joan (Lamar) Hirschi, Ogden; Kerry (Wendi), Downingtown, PA; Mark (Wendy), Ogden; and Tim, Ogden; 30 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild due in November.

He is also survived by his brother and sisters: Emmett (Annette) Parker, Ogden; Donna (Dude) Browne, Clinton; and Chyrrel (Findley) Gridley, Ogden; and his adopted St. George family, Reed and Susie McArthur and children.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Everett Parker, sister, Eileen Boyle, two sons-in-law, Bill Henley and Paul Jensen, and a granddaughter, Wendy Parker.

We can''t thank the IHC Hospice enough for their love and care of Dad (and support to our Mom), especially Dr. John Wood, Vickie, Raelynn, Robyn, Megan, Asillin, and Stacie.

Funeral services will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at Lindquist''s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd.

Family will meet with friends at the mortuary on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturday 9:45 to 10:45 a.m.

Interment, Ogden City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Weber State Alumni Association in memory of Lynn J. Parker.

Send condolences to the family at: www.lindquistmortuary.com