East Wakefield, NH

Gene Willis Parker passed away on October 10 ^th , 2021 while diving in Lake Winnipesaukee. He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 46 years, Joanne, and his children, Jennifer and her husband, Dennis Keyes of Newport News, VA and Eric and his wife Melanie, of Tewksbury, MA.  A loving, honorable man and pillar of the community, Gene was known for his upbeat disposition and calm demeanor and will be missed by friends, family, and coworkers alike.

Gene was born in Bangor, Maine on January 18 ^th , 1952 to Nettie and Clarence "Willis" Parker and grew up in the small town of Kenduskeag, Maine with his brother Michael and sister Judy.  He received his Bachelor of Science in secondary education in Math/Physics from the University of Maine at Farmington in 1974, and his Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Northeastern University in 1995. Gene had an extensive career in government service spanning over 40 years with the United States Geological Survey as a Hydrologist/Mathematician.

In 2014 Gene retired to spend more time with his wife Joanne and their three Golden Retrievers at their lake house in East Wakefield, NH where he would spend the rest of his life.  Gene had many personal achievements for which he will be remembered: Boy Scout leader, soccer coach, avid reader, artist, and prominent member of the Belleau Lake Board of Directors and community.  In 2018 Gene started scuba diving which quickly grew into his passion. Certified as a Master SCUBA Diver, Gene would dive frequently in Lake Winnipesaukee and as the Milfoil Director for Belleau Lake.  Gene had a very full life and will be remembered by all who knew him.

Gene will be honored at Association Park on Belleau Lake in East Wakefield, NH on Sunday October 17 ^th , 2021 from 1:00 - 3:00 PM.  Association Park can be found via Google Maps by searching for "Association Park (BLPOA – Private Property), Wakefield, NH". The Park entrance is located on Belleau Boulevard in East Wakefield. Guests are requested to dress casually.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Gene's memory to support the continued health of Belleau Lake, a cause that was very important to him.  Please make checks payable to "Belleau Lake Property Owner's Association" and include "Milfoil Fund" on the memo line.  Checks can be mailed to:

BLPOA c/o Joanne Parker

CBU #35

280 Beverly Hills Drive

East Wakefield, NH 03830