Parker Raphael passed away Thursday, Feb. 15, 2018, at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville with family at his side. He was 68.
Parker was born in Albany, New York, the first born and only son to Verna and Parker Raphael, Sr. He soon was joined by three younger sisters, Dorinda, Dale and Rachelle. After the family moved from New York to Southern California, Parker took up surfing and became part of a surf club that competed in competitions. Their club photo hangs today on a wall of Pizza Port, a prominent restaurant in the coastal town of Carlsbad.
After graduating from Oceanside High School, Parker attended nearby Menlo College before traveling abroad to study at Tel Aviv University in Israel where he also spent time living in a kibbutz.
Upon his return to the states, he became a student at an alternative university, College at Old Westbury State University of New York, where he met his wife, Catherine.
Together they traveled the country, journaling and filming a field project on animal behavior, at which time Parker created remarkable watercolors of birds. They completed their senior thesis, studying ospreys on Sanibel Island, and graduated in May 1972.
After a year living in Oyster Bay, the couple moved to Phoenix where they established a window washing enterprise and one of the first food co-ops. Parker also began his career in the print business at that time.
A move to the Osage area of Northwest Arkansas followed, along with construction of a green oak home and a passive solar home.
It was there son, Jesse, was born and Parker honed his skills in spoon making, crafting utensils from native woods, and earning awards at prestigious art shows.
He and Catherine eventually parted ways but Parker soon found a new love, his sweetheart and companion, Anna, and helped with the upbringing of her three daughters, Katie, Elizabeth and Molly.
He also switched careers from printing and spoonmaking to that of a municipal employee, working for the City of Green Forest until his retirement.
In 2000, Parker and Anna moved to Eureka Springs where Parker soon became part of the downtown night life scene, frequenting the historic Wagon Wheel tavern and other watering holes, sharing his tall tales with unsuspecting patrons. He also served as an alderman on Eureka Springs City Council for a period of time.
He enjoyed camping in the great outdoors and was an avid fisherman. He often loved to lure the lunkers from the comfort of his kayak when not casting a line in the White River. He was also a Dallas Cowboys football fan, a cook, basket weaver, gardener, and most of all — an incredibly sweet and loving soul.
He is survived by his mother Verna, his three sisters, Dale, Dorinda and Rachelle, his son Jesse, daughter-in-law Katie, grandson Sam, granddaughter Alexis, plus Anna and her three daughters and their six offspring, in addition to a host of nieces and nephews and numerous friends.
A celebration of life is planned for 1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 24 at the Mill Hollow House.