Village says a fond farewell to 'Mr Burnopfield'

Jun 30 2009 by Joanne Butcher, The Journal

His successor, Brian Murphy, 61, said Mr Parker was a well-respected figure in the association. “He loved the Scouts, he was so dedicated to the group,” Brian said. “I first met him when I signed up at 14. He has been my mentor, and I will miss him sorely.

“We called him ‘Skip’, because he had been the skipper for so long. He was a lovely man. Everyone knew him and liked him.”

Mr Parker’s other great love was cricket, and as president of Burnopfield cricket club he met his best friend, the late England cricketer Colin Milburn.

Milburn, known locally as the Burnopfield Basher, played in nine test matches for England in the 1960s and was renowned for his all-or-nothing batting style. He died in 1990.

A devout man, Mr Parker was also verger for St James’ Church, where his funeral was held yesterday. His ashes will be scattered in the church’s remembrance garden.

Mr Parker had been married to Margaret, a friend since childhood, for 13 years. His first wife Betty passed away some 30 years ago.

“He was always a wonderfully handsome, gorgeous man,” said Mrs Parker. “He loved life, and he fought death to the very last moment.”

Mr Parker, who had no children, died from prostate cancer which had spread to his lungs, last Tuesday.