Scott A. Parker made his last empanada on Saturday, April 18th. Sales on Ebay may never recover and neither will those of us left behind. Scott, the miracle child, is now joined with his parents, Bobby and Teddy Parker. The man who was not a cat person leaves behind his two “boys” of the feline kind. His sister, Stacy Parker DeRaps, her partner, Clayton Walker of Tampa, FL were with him. Two nieces, Breanne DeRaps/husband Josh Miner of PA; Meagan DeRaps/husband Erik Bachmann of Alaska. His nephew, Derek DeRaps/partner Jacqui Young of TN, and his grandnieces Etta and Parker Miner and Talia Bachmann. Grandnephew Wes Miner. A brother, Marc Parker of Apollo Beach. And, a large “Zonian” family of brothers and sisters.
Born in the United States, he was raised on the Atlantic side of the former Canal Zone on the Isthmus of Panama. He graduated from Cristobal High School in 1975, and obtained a Bachelor Degree in Industrial Arts/Education from Eastern Kentucky University. He retired from Ikon in 2018. His education allowed him to teach in the bush in Alaska where his survival knowledge came in handy. While he enjoyed his time in Alaska, it was the Canal Zone he called home. He loved parties, his stuff, a good deal, hanging out with friends, frequent trips back to Panama, Jimmy Buffett, rum and cokes, beautiful women, flashlights, every gadget known to man, packages from Ebay, procrastination, being prepared, reading, Harry Pottter, 4 wheeling adventures with his “Zonian” brothers, fishing, boating, cooking and life. As a member of the Panama Canal Society, he attended every reunion since 1980. “Scott’s room,” an unofficial hangout at Canal Zone reunions always had a smile, a warm greeting, an empanada, his famous jerky, ceviche, a strong drink, Cuban sandwiches, flashlights, and anything you could possibly need and it was open as long as the reunion was going on. Scott was styling in camouflage, especially fatigues, long before it was popular. He was everyone’s handyman and never met anything he couldn’t fix. Nicknamed McGyver or American Express because you didn’t want to leave home without him was coined by his friends. Another gift was his incredible ability to make everyone he knew feel special and welcome. He gifted many with his useful trinkets of flashlights, bottle openers, or something useful. Always a gentleman, he hated rude people, vegetables, smoothies, cancer, and death.
Scott’s life will be celebrated when it becomes safe to do so because, of course, there’s a pandemic going on and Scott always said “I’ll get to it.” He will be taken home (when it’s safe to do so) by his beloved sister and friends and his ashes scattered in the waters of “home” - Panama.
In lieu of flowers, you can donate to The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Institute at https://salgi.org/ or St. Francis Society Animal Rescue, http://www.stfrancisrescue.org/
Guestbook
He is now resting in peace may god be with yu
Scott was and will always be in my heart, a a gentle and compassionate soul. He loved his family, friends and Panama. He would give anyone the shirt off his back- literally. One of my favorite ((stateside) stories was a weekend when the girls swarmed his home and spent the weekend making ceviche, empanadas, and laughing and talking until the wee hours of the morning. Here we are looking at you taking this picture. Now we are cheering you on into your beautiful new life on the other side. Love you Scott- Fly high! Amanda Tanner McGee
When Jon and I were dating, the guys all came to he house, hats when Jon, Russell, & I were all living together. Scott, D LaPorta, Rod Snyder, Tom, Gabriel, Ralph Baraza all were over and welcomed me into the CZ group. Scott was the closest thing to a brother to Jon Dedeaux and when Jon married me Scott embraced me as an extra sister, always telling me I was a Zonian in his eyes. He was a big part of our lives, and our childrens lives, spending a few summers with us all on Pensacola Beach. We will miss him terribly, the reunions will never be the same for us. Scott was he centerpiece to where we got a room. Always welcoming us with empanadas, wontons, Rum & Cokes and morning after Bloody Marys. Forever in our hearts brother, we love you! Jon & Deb Dedeaux
This is the cross from the Canal Zone Church, our family brought over from Panama. As we lose our loved ones their names are engraved on a plate and attached to he back. We are sharing this beautiful cross with you Scott. We love you buddy! Jon & Deb
Stacy, so sorry to hear of Scott's passing. He was a kind and warm person. Heaven gained a wonderful light; earth is a little dimmer. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
My brother, he will be missed and remembered in so many ways and places. Thank you Scott for so many g good times and memories. Jon Dedeaux
It was a blessing to have known Scott. He was like an uncle to me. He was my dads best friend/brother growing up in Panama. I will always remember at the reunion as a little girl he would always invite me to come over to his suite with my dad no questions asked and treat us just like it was our own suite. It truest was like family to us and he will be truly missed. R.I.P Scott. He truly was like family.
Love you always Scott! You made a huge impact in both of our lives! We will miss you greatly.
Forever your cookie. Rest In Peace, Love, and Aloha brother. xoxo
"...because it's Scott - the most perfect person to ever grace our lives with his friendship and his love." No worries, my friend,I promise that the void you leave us with will be continuously filled with all the beautiful memories we have of you.
To have known Scott was an honor! He was the most generous person I have ever met. His kind heart was like no other! He touched so many lives! Rest in peace our friend! Until we meet again!
I know heaven is a beautiful place because they've got you. You are so missed!
You are so missed. I was so blessed to have you as a brother. I love you.
My T is sticking! Lol Scott would laugh at me! Lol
Evangeline Thompson sends their condolences.
Betty K LeDoux sends their condolences.
Darnell, Alyson, Alexaitis sends their condolences.
Pamela (Husband) Lariviere sends their condolences.