1929 – 2015

LEWISTON — Garrett W. Parke Sr., 85, a resident of Auburn, died peacefully on Sunday, May 24, at Montello Manor nursing home, following a long illness.

He was born in Trenton, N.J., on Nov. 15, 1929, the son of the late William and Myrtle (Quick) Parke and had been a resident of this community for most of his life.

He was married to the former Kathleen McKendry on Aug. 20, 1955; she died on Feb. 19, 2013.

He was employed at Webber Energy for 23 years as an oil burner technician.

He was a member of the Mason Tranquil Lodge No. 29 of Auburn and a shriner of the Kora Temple in Lewiston. As a young man, he was a firefighter for the Rocky Hill Hook and Ladder Co. in New Jersey.

Garrett was an avid New York Giants fan. He enjoyed fishing, camping, going for day trips at Mount Blue State Park and reading the history of the Civil War and World War II. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family.

He was a friend to everyone and was well-liked by all. He was a devoted son as well as a loving husband to his beloved wife, Kathleen, of 57 years.

He was a devoted father to his four children, Donna Parke and her companion, Mike, of Rumford, Garrett W. Parke Jr. and his wife, Sally, of El Paso, Texas, Stephen Parke and his wife, Laurie, of Saco, and Maureen Bilodeau and her husband, Marc, of Poland; five grandchildren, Jaime, Garrett W. Parke III, Tiana, Eric and Meaghan; four great-grandchildren, Alajae, Caleb, Abigail and Griffin; one sister, Eleanor Young of Irvington, Va.; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents and his wife, he was predeceased by two brothers, Allen and William; and one sister, Ruthy.

Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at www.lynchbrothers.com.