William Howard Parker

A Memorial Fund has been set up at Idaho Independent Bank to assist Bill's family. Please use the "Donations" icon for instructions. William Howard Parker, (January 5, 1944) passed away on September 16, 2016 after a several year battle with cancer. He was 72 years old. He is survived by his wife, Lara, and his children, Malia and Johnny Diaz, Bill, Nora and Ricky, his sister, Sharon Howell, as well as Kent, Phillip and Matthew Shriver, Jeni and Isaiah Parker, Betty Parker, Roger and Nancy Johnson and Gary and Penny Hurt. He was preceded by his daughter, Jonnah Mae Parker. Bill was a very loved man and will be missed greatly. Bill danced his way through life, trading in one car for the next and making deals while managing to help everyone he met at the same time. Bill was the guy who got things done and was at his best when he his deals benefited others. He rarely had time to sit still as there was always work to be done or people to visit. He took pride in his work ethic and making sure his family had what they needed. He often held two, even three different jobs at a time to provide for his family and to help a friend out whenever he could. Once in 2009, he “retired.” That lasted two weeks. Bill was at his best with a Diet Coke in his hand, his family nearby and a dream to be made into reality. Bill worked for Knife River and was in the asphalt business for most of his life. From paving roads for Robin Williams’ movies to driveways or highways, Bill was the guy who made it happen and he collected friends along the way. While Bill was the asphalt expert, his real talent was with people and always taking the time to share his appreciation immediately and never waiting until later to tell someone he loved them and was thinking about them. He had a way of measuring distance in feet and making others come out miles ahead. When he wasn’t working, he was teaching his kids to appreciate the best in life from movies with popcorn smothered in butter to fifties music and classic VW Bugs. Bill lived life to the fullest and we say to you wherever you are, “Bill, you gave far more than we can ever repay you. You are loved. You are missed.” Please join us on Saturday, September 24, 2016 at the Rathdrum LDS Church (15151 Meyer Road) at noon to share your memories of Bill with his family and say one last goodbye. A viewing for family and friends will be at 10:30. Bill often talked about taking his family to Death Valley and the cars they would drive. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made so his family can take him on one last trip to his final resting place. Donations can be made at Idaho Independent Bank. Please make checks payable to “Lara Parker 0407.” Please also take a minute to reach out, as Bill so often did, to let your loved ones know how much they are loved.