On May 31, 2015, the world got a little less interesting with the unexpected passing of Kelly Parker, born April 25, 1952.

Kelly was born in California and lived for many years in Portland and Seattle before moving to the beautiful Black Hills of Custer, SD. Kelly, CEO of Parker Cruise & Tour and prior owner of the Seattle Bridge Club, was a gifted entrepreneur and musician. He loved being outdoors and had hiked Mt. Whitney three times and taken many friends to the top of Harney Peak. Kelly was open-minded and cultivated friendships with people from around the world.


Friends and family remember Kelly's provocative humor and storytelling; his love of piano, French horn, travel, bridge, animals, his wife, Susan and daughter, Melody. He is also survived by many close friends; his wife's family; siblings, Whitney, Jamie, Michael, Stephen and Timothy and their families; his cockatiels and three beloved Shar Pei.

Memorials may be sent to any local Humane Society or the Portland Youth Philharmonic, where he played his horn for a number of years.