Philip A Parker

Philip Arthur Parker, 67, died suddenly of heart failure on April 2, 2014, in Vancouver. He was born in Rhode Island, raised in Florida and moved to Vancouver with his family in 1978.

Philip was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers for over 35 years, most recently a former officer and executive board member of Local 48 in Portland. He was a proud veteran of the US Army Reserve.Philip was recently reappointed by Governor Inslee for a second term as a Washington State Transportation Commissioner. He also served as Chair of the Labor Roundtable of Southwest Washington, on the executive board of the SW Washington Workforce Development Council, and on the Public Facilities Development board. He had previously served as a member of the Washington State Electrical Board.

In his free time, Philip enjoyed home projects and watching his grandchildren participate in activities including basketball, soccer, softball and dance. Philip is survived by his wife of 44 years, Sherry Parker; sons Jeffrey (Tiffany) and David (Becky) and four grand- children. He is also survived by sisters, Frances Parker and Mary Mutarelli and brother, Steven Parker, all of Florida.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, April 22, 2014 from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. at the Leupke Senior Center, 1009 E McLoughlin Blvd in Vancouver. He will be remembered as a hard-working man of integrity, honesty and humility with a hearty laugh that will be missed by all.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Share's Children's Backpack Program which feeds needy children after school hours, www.sharevancouver.org or the Clark County Skills Center Foundation which provides job training for high school students, www.ccscfoundation.com.

Please sign his guestbook at www.columbian.com/obits.