Family thankful for healing ceremony

Published 10:52 am Friday, February 24, 2012

Feb. 16 was a day of remembrance for Gary Parks, tragically killed as Everett Community College burned in 1987. Gary was a dedicated firefighter for the city of Everett and it has been 25 years since we lost our dear husband, father, grandfather, brother, our hero.

All Everett firefighters and firefighters all over our country are dedicated, as explained by the department, and there is a special place for a firefighter killed in the line of duty. It is evident that his death has had an impact on the department. The new tradition of a ceremonial flag streamer ceremony was especially touching.

The family of Gary Parks would like to thank the city of Everett and Everett Community College for the most healing, lovely and emotional ceremony. Thank you to the committee which included: Kate Reardon, Glen Martinson, Steve Goforth, John Blake (master of ceremonies) and Eric Hicks (special thanks for an amazing slide show of beautiful pictures of Gary and all the firefighting history).

Thanks to all the speakers for your touching words: Mayor Ray Stephanson, EvCC President David Beyer, Chief Murray Gordon, retired Capt. Ken Dammand for reading your wonderful poem, and former EvCC President Bob Drewel.

Thanks also to: Dave Wilson, fire inspector; Michael Lingrey and the Snohomish County Pipes and Drums; Everett Fire Department and Police Honor Guards; Everett Fire Department Local 46; Curt Low; John Olson; EvCC Foundation; EvCC conference services team; the beautiful women who made the quilt for Gary; all the people who attended the ceremony; the students of EvCC who will remember Gary as they walk the beautiful campus or use the building named after Gary; and a special thanks to my (Kathy Parks) Pastor Jim Lindus (Trinity Lutheran Church, Freeland).

It is hard to heal hearts but this helped our family. Gary was lost but now is found. You gave us “Amazing Grace.”

Kathy Parks, Jennifer Parks, Erin VanRy and family

Camano Island