Gene Lewis Parks

Gene Lewis Parks at age 77, has peacefully left this earth to be with his savior Jesus Christ in Heaven. He passed away Friday November 11, 2016. Gene was a loving, wonderful husband, father, brother, uncle, and a friend to all.

Dad was born September 14, 1939 in Kalispell, Montana to Howard K. Parks and Bertha (Johnen) Parks. The family moved to Yakima, WA. in the early forties.

Dad attended schools in Yakima, graduating from A. C. Davis High School class of 1960.

Upon graduation, he went to work for Weyerhaeuser, and after 42 years with the company. Dad retired and filled his days helping family and friends, traveling to the Oregon Coast, camping, playing pickleball and playing cards, especially with his brother Larry and wife Paulette, and his sister-in-law Janice and Purd Sickler. The ocean was always his favorite place to be.

On September 18, 1965 he married the love of his life Karen Hoffarth and they just celebrated 51 years of marriage.

Gene is survived by his wife Karen; four children: Lisa Fortier (Scott) Reavis, Greg (Vicki) Fortier, H. Kenneth Parks, Eric (Jennifer) Parks. Ten Grandchildren; Tony Fortier, Chris Fortier, Heather Lydin, Amber Fortier, Stephanie Groenig, Andrew Parks, Katelyn Parks, Jacob Parks, Brenden and Bradley Parks; four great grandchildren; Kyle Bacon, Indie Fortier, Noah Groenig, and Grayson Milliron; with a 5th great grandson coming this February, Hudson Gene Parks.

Grandpa Gene, first and foremost, loved every minute he could spend with his children, grand children, nieces & nephews. He loved children.

Gene is also survived by 2 brothers; James Parks and Larry (Paulette) Parks; three sisters Linda (Clarence) Crow, Carol (Larry) Smith, and Nancy Fulks, with numerous nieces and nephews. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Kenneth Parks and Franklin Parks and a sister-in-law, Nila Parks.

We wish to thank Dr. Waber and the nurses at Cottage in the Meadow, Chaplain Dan Rogers, Laura, Vanessa, and Jeanie our Hospice nurse. Thank you for all your support and kindness, and loving care for Gene. God Bless You All.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday November 19, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John's Catholic Church, 206 Moxee Ave, Naches, WA. Father Richard House officiating.

Papa you are gone from our sight. But will remain in our hearts forever. “We Love You!"