John R. Parker

John Russell Parker, 86, of Springvale, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, June 4, 2011 shortly after the SHS graduating class of 2011 received its diplomas. We, his family, acknowledge this as a fitting tribute to a man whose life was dedicated to a profession he loved and at which he excelled. Born on October 23, 1924 in St. Stephen, New Brunswick to Erle St. John and Ruth Russell Parker, John grew up in Danforth, ME and graduated from Danforth High School in 1942. With his country embroiled in WWII, John joined the Navy in 1943, serving as a signalman in the European Theater until his discharge in 1946.After returning home, John enrolled at the University of Maine at Orono, graduating in 1950 with a degree in secondary school education. In the winter of 1949, John married the love of his life, Helen (Holly) McCuin, and together they made a wonderful life for the next 55 years. John's first teaching position was at Bradford High School from 1950-1952. He continued his teaching career at Fifth Street Junior High in Bangor, Me from 1954-56. While completing his graduate studies at UMO, John served as Principal of Mattanawcook Academy in Lincoln, ME from 1956-1961. Accepting the challenging job of building a new high school for SAD 6 in Buxton, John moved his family to Sebago Lake Village where he and Holly raised their four children during some of the happiest years of their married lives. From 1965 until his retirement in 1983, John completed his 33 years of dedication to the educational profession by serving as principal of Sanford High School and Regional Vocational Technical Center. "JP", as he was known to his staff and students, was an ever-present attendee and staunch supporter of all SHS functions and activities. His pride in his school and his students was often rewarded in his later years by the many graduates and colleagues who continued to keep in touch with him or remembered him as "Mr. Parker, my principal". John was an active member of both the Maine State Principal's Association and Kiwanis International for many years, and a past president of both organizations. Upon retiring, John and Holly enjoying traveling in their RV throughout the United States and Canada. His myriad interests included hunting, fishing, music, reading, and a good game of cribbage, especially with one of the grandkids.John was predeceased by his wife, Holly in 2005. He is survived by their four children: Judy and her husband Gary Lamb of Greenville; J. Daniel and his wife Patty of Cumberland; Janet and her husband Ansley of Augusta, and James and his wife Kristen of Kennebunk, as well as his beloved grandchildren CJ, his wife Ellie, and Andrew Lamb; Emily, Libby, and Anna Parker; Ben and Brad Sawyer; and Emily and David Parker. His great-grandson Parker Keith Lamb also survives him and carries on the name of a man beloved by his family, a father and grandfather who will be sadly missed, but never forgotten. Also surviving are John's loving sister, Mary Newell and husband Jerry of NY and his dear aunt, Dorothy More of Carmel.Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, June 7, from 4 to 7 PM at the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale. A funeral service will be held at 11AM on Wednesday, June 8, at the Springvale First Baptist Church, 429 Main Street, with Pastor Michael Lauziere officiating. Reception to follow.Condolences may be expressed at www.blackfuneralhomes.comThose planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider donations in John's memory may be made to: Sanford High School Scholarship Fundc/o Alan Young52 SHS Blvd.Sanford, ME 04073or Waban Projects, Inc.5 Dunaway DriveSanford, ME 04073