Obituary: Jack Parker

Twin Lakes/Baltic

     Jack Parker, 88, a resident of Twin Lakes and Baltic, went to be with his Lord, with his loving wife and family by his side Saturday morning April 20, 2019, at the Omega House in Houghton following a lengthy illness.

     He was born on July 14, 1930, in Lowestoft, England, a son of the late Ernest and Grace (Coleman) Parker.  Following school Jack immigrated to Canada and began working in the mines.  He then attended Michigan School of Mining in Houghton where he received his degree in Mining Engineering and Geology.  He then received his Master’s in Geological Engineering.

     On September 8, 1956, he was united in marriage to the former Levinia Sermon.  The couple had resided in Houghton, MI, and Minnesota before moving to White Pine to raise their family.  They then moved to Twin Lakes year round and for the past 15 years have wintered in Baltic.

    Mr. Parker began a career in the Mining Industry that he never really retired from.  He started working for R. Loofbourow Mining and Consulting in Minnesota before White Pine Copper Mine.  He then was the owner and operator of Jack Parker and Associates consulting clients in the mining industry throughout the United States and world. Mr. Parker was a tireless advocate in the mining industry that never gave up on a mining cause.  He was an industry icon in rock mechanics and had a number of articles published along with receiving awards from the Society of Mining Engineering.  Jack was also gifted artist with woodworking and painting.  He loved the outdoors hunting; fishing and his wit was enjoyed by all that knew him.

          Preceding him in death were his parents and his brothers; Roy and Harry.

     Surviving are:

          His wife: Lee Parker of Twin Lakes and Baltic.

     His children:

          Mary (Don) Wernholm of Marquette

          Catherine Parker of Marquette

          Laura (Duane) Ray of Republic

          Tom (Chrissy) Parker of Phillips, WI

          His grandchildren:

          Stephanie, Jesse, Ryan, Natalie, Melissa, Dustin, Katelyn, Jack, AJ, Jared and Taylor.

          19 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild

          His family in England.

     Jack’s family will celebrate his life later this year at the family home in Twin Lakes.

     In lieu of other expressions of sympathy the family suggests that memorial contributions be directed to North Woods Conservancy PO Box 124, Calumet, MI 49913 of the charity of one’s choice in memory of Jack Parker.

     To view Jack’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net.

     The Parker family would like to thank the staff and caregivers at the Houghton County Medical Care Facility, UP Health – Portage Hospital and the Omega House for the care given to Jack     The Memorial Chapel & Plowe Funeral Homes of Hancock are assisting the family with the arrangements