02/03/2026
Richard Earl Parker, also known as Dick Parker
May 21, 1950-January 11, 2026
It is with a very heavy heart that we announce the passing of Richard “Dick” Parker, 75. He went to Heaven peacefully at St. Mary’s Hospital in Reno surrounded by his wife and family on January 11, 2026.
Dick was born at Potter’s Nursing Home in Susanville California on May 21, 1950 to Charlie and Frances Parker. Through his life he continued to be an avid outdoors man who loved to hunt, fish, and shoot guns. Often as a young boy, he would take off for the day with his BB gun, cousins and friends, and spend his day outdoors hunting. His Dad built a cabin at Eagle Lake, Ca when Dick was a kid and many happy times were spent there fishing, boating, skiing, and swimming with family and friends. Charlie Parker owned the Foremost Milk delivery in Lassen County and throughout high school Dick helped in the milk home delivery business. The business motto being “Milk delivered to your door for the same price as the store”.
Dick graduated from Lassen Union High School in 1968 where he was involved in athletics, a Letterman, sang in the choir, and considered a popular guy with a strong outgoing personality. He then attended American River College and Sacramento State University for his BA degree. He worked his way through college while supporting a family with two children. After graduation, he returned to Susanville and bought his Dad’s Foremost Milk Distributorship. He added ice delivery to the business and ran the company until1986 when he sold the business.
Dick then changed the course of his career to an insurance broker in 1987. During his career he worked as a agent for New Your Life and then a broker for Murray and Edwards Insurance in Susanville, before opening his own office as Integrated Insurance Broker (IIB) in Steve Pezzullo’s CPA office. His goal throughout his career was to give his clients, who he thought of as friends, his best on their behalf. He retired in 2019 after a long successful career.
Dick was very active in his community that he loved. Throughout the years, he served on various boards to include the Chamber of Commerce, Hospital board in Susanville, Lassen County Fair. He was also active with the Rotary Club, Ducks Unlimited, Rocky Mountain Elks, Pheasants Forever, Mule Deer Association, NRA, and Elks Club.
In addition to his community work, he was a true Patriot. He was proud to be an American and honored the American flag and what it represents - Love for God, Family, and Country. He was part of the Republican Central Committee for many years and never missed his opportunity to exercise his right to vote. He was also proud of his heritage and family history in Lassen County going back to the Leavitt’s on his mother’s side.
Dick and Rocky Parker married in 1990 at the Assembly of God Church in Susanville and had a grand reception at the Elks Lodge. On March 24, 2025 they celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary. He was always a wonderful husband, partner, provider, and best friend for Rocky. What a love story!
Dick enjoyed music, singing, and dance. He was part of the Barbershop Quartet, musical theater productions in Susanville, and singing in church. He enjoyed all types of music, but his favorites were county and old gospel. His favorite actor was John Wayne and favorite Wayne movie was The Cowboys. He respected the cowboy way of life. He had rancher cowboy friends that he would lend a hand with their cutting, branding, and doctoring. He received the handle of Dr. Dick for this participation. He enjoyed sleeping out under the stars, chuck wagon food, camp fires, tall tales, and, good whiskey with friends! One of his favorite sayings was “Shoot low Sherriff, he’s riding a Shetland. This always got a laugh and Dick loved to make people laugh.
His sense of humor touched the hearts of many. Many of his friends thought of him as a gentle giant. People trusted and confided in him. His friendliness and sense of humor was like a magnet drawing people in. He treated people, even those he just met, as friends.
Hunting and guns were also his passions. When hunting season came around, he would travel for deer and elk as far as Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Nebraska, when not hunting in Lassen County. Dove, pheasant, and duck season were also on his hunt list. He loved “Buck Camp” with his hunting buddies and could tell some great stories about their hunting adventures!
Dick is survived by his beloved wife, Rocky Parker, with whom he enjoyed many years of love and laughter. He is also survived by his son Rich Parker and his wife Anne Parker and two grandchildren Aurora and Alayna Parker; his brother Rob Parker and wife Betty; sister Charlene Parker and husband Warren; nieces and nephews, Sarah Sharp, Megan Herrera, Jon Parker, and Ted Parker; several grand nieces, a nephew, and many cousins. He was proceeded in death by his parents Charlie and Frances Parker.
Richard “Dick” Parker lived his life his way with love in his heart for his Lord, family, and friends. He worked hard to make the world a better place with his belief that all things are possible if you tried hard enough to make it happen. His passing leaves a big hole in the hearts and lives of so many. May Dick rest in eternal peace and may those who love him find comfort in the memories he leaves behind. He is sorely missed and will be remembered as a great man and friend.
His Memorial Service will be held on February 20, 2026 at 2pm at Finks Funeral Home, 115 S. Lassen Street in Susanville. A reception will be held directly after at the Monticola Club, 140 S. Lassen Street in Susanville.