John Parker Thomas, 60, of South Bristol, passed away peacefully with his life partner, Gale Ross, at his side on July 10 at LincolnHealth – Miles Campus in Damariscotta. He waged a two-year, courageous, up-and-down battle with cancer, remaining solid and uncomplaining to the end.
Born in Morristown, N.J. on Dec. 6, 1954, Parker was active in various athletics during his youth, especially soccer and bicycling. He was an important starting member of the West Morris Mendham High School championship varsity soccer team of 1972. He was a graduate of West Morris Mendham High School in 1973 and a graduate of East Carolina University class of 1977, where he was a brother in Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. He remained a lifelong ardent and avid ECU Pirate fan and supporter.
After college, Parker went into business with his father running Thomas Insurance Agency in Morris Plains, N.J., before running the agency by himself. Something about the hustle and bustle of metropolitan New York life didn’t suit him, though, and he pined for a simpler, more down-to-earth life in Maine, a place where he spent much time visiting with grandparents and family in his youth. He sold Thomas Insurance Agency and moved to Maine in 2001, building the first of two homes by himself after taking classes at Shelter Institute. A few years later, he acquired some ancestral land owned previously by his distant cousin, Carl Bailey, and built a second home on 17 acres in South Bristol, where he and Gale lived happily. He took great pride in the personal workmanship and energy efficiency displayed throughout their home. Throughout his years in Maine, Parker supported himself by painting houses and working on boats in the off-season, never one to be afraid of how difficult a task might be or how long it might take.
A lifelong cyclist, Parker, feeling better than normal two weeks ago, took to his bicycle on the Pemaquid Trail, making several circuitous laps in good speed while breaking out in a healthy sweat, something he enjoyed doing very much.
He proactively cultivated a strong circle of close friends locally and from away. He was a beloved partner to Gale, a loving brother, and caring uncle to his nephew and nieces, always taking the time to connect with the children of his siblings.
He is survived and missed by his life partner, Gale Ross; mother, Mary Ann Thomas of Mendham, N.J.; brothers, Thomas Stephens Thomas, IV of Yarmouth, Evan Wilson Thomas of Brookside, N.J., and Glenn Brian Thomas of Dresden,; sister, Priscilla Ann Foerster of Mendham, N.J.; nephew, Brian; and nieces, Courtney, Bailey, Sara, Chrissy, Megan, Amanda, Tory, Tiffany, and Melanie.
A joyous celebration of Parker’s life will take place at 1 p.m., Sat., Sept. 12 at 21 Water St., Damariscotta. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made in Parker’s memory to the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Treatment, 361 Old Belgrade Rd., Augusta, ME 04330.
Condolences, and messages for the family may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.