"I used to have a much more detached relationship with death. I rationalized it as a part of life, a natural end to a natural process. And that worked right up until I was "it," when the death was of someone I identified with. Brad Parker was nothing normal. He played guitar and saxophone. He composed over 200 songs. He was charismatic, handsome, decent - a gentleman from a forgotten time. He once said that we, as a country, forgot how to talk with one another, especially because we forgot how to listen. He was focused out, took hits head on, and dusted himself off. You had to eat a meal with him to believe such a guy existed who wasn't full of himself. Lord knows he deserved to be. But that wasn't Brad. He focused out, all the time. His attention was on others, and that only drew more deserved attention to him. In the IT field, he was a master. He was the teacher, musician and man I hoped to be. It took me a long time to realize that the way to being this accomplished opened the moment I stopped living in comparison to him. I'm sure he would have told me so, had I talked to him sooner. They played his music at the funeral. That was hard enough. His beloved Taylor guitar was on display, the one he let me play a little over a year ago. When his boss from New Horizons read some of the words a former student wrote in praise of Brad, they were my words from an email I sent earlier in the week. The stories were of an impossibly generous, encouraging, fun man. I couldn't stop crying. When he was teaching Windows 10 to us, he brought his guitars to play on break. Anyone who knows me knows that I play Emerson, Lake and Palmer's "From the Beginning" whenever I play for someone. It's my best song. And so, as they played the video montage of Brad's life, there was Brad in the audio, playing that song. My song. And I broke down so hard because I remember his reaction to when I played it for him. He wanted to take a shot at mastering it. I'm glad he did, and recorded it. My friend, Carol, said Brad liked me a lot. Now, every time I play that song, I will be reminded of the importance of making every day count. In the end, it's what you do in the dash between your birth date and death date that matters. I thank Brad's amazing sisters and the pastor for turning such a heartbreaking event into a lasting life lesson, much as Brad would do in even his most ordinary moments. It doesn't change the fact that he's gone too soon. Brad Parker was inspiring and brilliant. I will miss him terribly."
In loving memory of
Bradley Neal Parker
November 25, 1956 - April 17, 2018
BRADLEY NEAL PARKER, of Plantation, Florida, died Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at the age of 61. Born November 25, 1956 in Columbus, Nebraska, he grew up in Oklahoma and Kansas, attending college in Anderson, Indiana. As an adult he lived in Florida, Georgia, Arkansas and Nevada but Florida was always his favorite. Brad is survived by his sisters, Susan Keown, Cindy Hays and Jolyn Parker; his stepmother, Goldie Parker; Aunt and Uncle, Gerald and Miriam Holdeman; 8 nieces and nephews and 8 great nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, David and Luetisha Parker.
Brad was a Senior Technical Instructor at New Horizon in Plantation, Florida and previously in Las Vegas. Music was his passion and he composed well over 200 songs. He played five instruments and was best known for his guitar and vocal performances. His music will be featured at his memorial service. which will be held Sunday, April 22nd at 2 pm at Fred Hunter's Funeral Home, 2401 South University Drive, Davie, Florida. A catered reception will follow the service at the same location at 3 pm.
"Anything worth doing is worth overdoing."
"Bringing back memories...while making new ones."
~Brad
Tributes
"Brad, I carry 14+ years worth of memories in my heart. Anyone who knows our story knows that we would have found our way back to each other one way or another. I believe we were already on our way there. Thank you for all your kindness, love and support over the years. You were and still are a big part of my family. I will always think of your sisters as part of my family as well. Thanks for sending me the sign I prayed for yesterday. I love you too! Forever in my heart! Shari "
"To the family of Brad Parker. We were very saddened to hear of Brad's passing. We have many fond memories of Brad and his fun spirit. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. With sincere sympathy Ron, Margaret and Jennifer Rowland"
"Brad, Grief, I have learned is really just love that gathers up in the corners of our eyes and in the lump in our throats. Grief is just love with no place to go. The most painful goodbyes are the ones that are never said and never explained. When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. Thank you for the memories and your love for Rhianna?.she has never forgotten you. I will post the Chipmunk Angel song you wrote for her. I know you took God?s hand when he called and I know you are at peace in the loving arms of our Lord. Teena "
"Brad you?ve been a longtime friend & colleague for so many years!! Your beautiful spirit will be sorely missed and forever remain in my HEART! ??? RIP My Friend......Christy "
"My memory of Brad is that of a great connection. Deeper than friendship, stronger than ever expected. His support and kindness was never ending. I had lost my father on April 12th and he was sending his love and condolences, never expecting that was the last time I would connect to him. Wishing strength to his family and friends at this time of overwhelming sadness. His brilliance, music and zest for life will be forever missed, this world lost an amazing man. He is loved!!!!! Carol June Dowdy"
"I'm a fellow instructor of Brad who worked with him in the Las Vegas, Reno, and Sacramento offices of New Horizons. He was a great instructor who knew how to take complex technical subjects and explain them so that his students were able to fully grasp the concepts. He was very highly respected by the students and staff of New Horizons. More importantly, he was a really good guy and a good friend. Rest in peace, Brad. Steve Gitter"