ROY ALDEN PARKER

Condolences & Memories (1 entries)

• Please accept our deepest sympathy on Al’s death this week. We are deeply saddened that he has lost his fight to remain here with his wife and his wonderful children and their families. Mr. Parker was one of the good ones, a “statesman” and a ”gentleman” in our industry. In the twenty five years that we at Pokeys have known Al, he has been a very good friend to us. Always ready with a story, and if you were close enough a cup of coffee. A visit with Al made any day brighter. When he retired a year ago, we missed his pleasant talks and phone calls, and we will surely miss him more as time goes on. Al knew his stuff, and he never apologized to anyone for his strong opinions. He was almost always right, and even when he wasn’t he was awfully close. He was the captain of his ship, and he sailed it artfully through waters that were alternately calm and then rolling, but he always found a safe harbour, often by instinct and by being open to whatever came. He skillfully navigated an industry through incredible changes in technology and service delivery. He understood that this business was about people, not about tackle or guns and that great businesses were a happy side effect of a strong human connections. He had a lot of company along the way with men that were proud to call him friend. In so many ways, Al was a real “guy’s guy” - smart, willing and loyal, especially loyal. If you were Al’s friend it really meant something. In the end things weren’t so easy for him. He probably struggled more than anyone should, but, “he never let you see him sweat.” He held Gail and his children, the loves of his life, dear. He stayed in touch with friends, and unfortunately had to say good-bye all too soon. We know that there are many other worthy men who have gone before waiting for him on the other side, including our dad Bill. And each in turn will step up to help Al continue his hunting and fishing adventures in a new and even more pleasant place. - Posted by: The Pokeys Tackle Shop Family - Greg, Shelly and Jag, Gord and Karen Prokopetz (Friends for more than 1/4 century) on: Aug 26, 2012