BiLL Parker
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After graduation Bill secured a job in the lumber industry that would become his profession for the next 42 years. His last 10 years were with Chatham Cash and Carry where he headed up the design department for kitchens and bathrooms. It was a job well suited to his abilities and his outgoing personality, which would later be an important part of his involvement with athletics.
In 1956 Bill would marry his finance, Dorothy, and begin their family of three children, Randy, Rick and Kim. As a family they were involved as members of the Providence United Church in Raleigh Township where Bill served as the Chairman of its board for many years. Both he and Dorothy were actively involved as members of the church’s Providence Couples Club and choir members. His children’s involvement in the church led him to become a leader of the Trail Rangers a club for the young boys of the congregation.
Bill’s love for athletics was met by coaching for many successful teams in the Kent Fastball League. His teams of Thompson Lumber Kings, Deluxe Cleaners and Maple City Garments were always a power in the highly competitive county league. In addition to coaching he served as president of the League from 1960 to 1962. Always the competitor he was even known to “burn” off the Turner Park diamond after a rain storm to make sure the game got played
Bill’s contribution to Chatham’s athletic program would expand to include hockey in the mid 60’s when he volunteered his energies for the Jr. Maroons. He was the lead person for organizing billets and jobs for the young out of town players when they came to Chatham. Always willing to do what it took for the success of the Maroons his dedication and commitment to the club culminated in his being the president in 1968 & 69. Both he and Dorothy would remain season ticket holders after his retirement from the executive and had their familiar seats behind the penalty box.
Always a strong believer in family values he had a great passion for his grandchildren and would have been pleased and proud with the recent family addition of a great granddaughter. Bill passed away on Nov 8th, 1995 leaving a strong legacy of hard work and dedication to his family, his church and the Maroons.