Norman Lee Parker

Norman Lee Parker was born August 4, 1941 in Akron, Colorado to parents Stanley and Thelma Parker. His grandparents and great-grandparents were early homesteaders in Washington County, Colorado - a small farming community on the eastern Colorado plains. During his pre-school years his family continued farming in various places south of Akron. When Norman was old enough to start school, they moved into Akron, where he completed kindergarten and first grade. In the fall of 1948 the family relocated to Longmont, where they bought a 10 acre tract of land west of town on Hoover Road. Norman and younger sister Anetta, attended and graduated 8th grade at a small two-room county school - Nelson School. It was a red brick building with no running water, located 1 mile south, and 1 mile west of the family home. There was a large water crock with a spigot for filling small cups the children brought from home, the cups were held in individual compartments in an open cupboard on the wall. Norman attended Longmont High School, graduating in 1959. All through his high school years, he and Anetta spent many weekends at the Roll-O-Rena skating rink. It was there that he met his future bride, Rosella Lane. They were excellent skaters and enjoyed dancing on skates, much like the ice skaters do. They were married September 3, 1961 at the Presbyterian Church in Longmont, Reverend Stanley Goerner officiated. They were blessed with three sons, Clifford Allen - 7-23-1962, Kim Lydell - 5-6-1964, and Chet Stanley - 3-30-1968. All three were born at Longs Peak Hospital in Longmont. In June 1967, the family moved to Walden, Colorado where Norman worked for Baller Livestock. He then worked for Hines Lumber Company; Wamsley Cattle Company; Louisiana Pacific Lumber Company; summers for the Division of Wildlife; and for the Jackson County Landfill. In February 2012, he was diagnosed with cancer and had to retire. In 1979 they purchased 40 acres east of Walden. Norman and family have made a lot of improvements over the years, Norman was very handy with tools of all sorts, and could build most anything. He was also a very good mechanic and could work on cars, trucks, and farm equipment. He loved animals and at various times raised cattle, sheep and hogs. He and Rosie taught their boys how to care for livestock. Norman was active in Boy Scouts, 4-H, and FFA with his sons. He was diagnosed with cancer and forced to retire. He passed away March 27, 2014. Norman was preceded in death by nephew Terry Steiner, father Stanley Parker, son Chet Parker, brother-in-law Ed Steiner, mother-in-law Eloise May, sister-in-law Loretta Lane, and brother-in-law Glen Lane. He is survived by wife Rosella, sons Clifford, Kim-Judy, 2 granddaughters Willow and Misty of Canada, mother Thelma and sister Anetta Steiner of Walden, brother Rick- Joan of Cheyenne, and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. A Memorial service to be held at the North Park Community Church, Walden on Saturday, April 5, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Meredith and Jeannie Ray Cancer Center in Laramie, Wyoming in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive, Fort Collins, Colorado 80524.