It is with great sorrow that we must announce the passing of our Founder George Parker.
George Parker and Pachyderm Clubs have been inseparable since the formation of the 1st club in Columbia Missouri in 1967. Not only did George supply the inspiration and purpose for our organization, but for most of the last 42 years he was both the driving force and nurturing hand that guided us from a single club to a multi state organization.
To say that “he will be missed“, is a sad understatement, yet words to adequately express the magnitude of our loss do not exist. In so far as Pachyderm is concerned, George was irreplaceable.
George used to say that “Success without a successor is failure” and although none of us can ever replace him, we can and must succeed him and take up where he left off. George always celebrated life and cherished the blessings of our free America. He would not be pleased for us to focus on our loss but would rather expect us to pick up our pack and move on. That was ever his calling to us, to become active citizens and make a difference
There is an old saying “let George do it”, too often Pachyderm members have been guilty of doing just that, we sat on the sidelines while “George” did it. Well George is no longer here to carry our burden for us; we must earn a free government for ourselves.
It may seem disheartening that at a point in our history where both our Nation and our party are so in need of leaders that we would lose a leader of George’s caliber, but perhaps it is a part of a bigger plan. George is still with us through the organization he built and the myriad of writings he left us. He taught us how to lead and be good citizens. He taught us that “We get the government we deserve not the one we wish for” and that “Good government requires active citizens”. If George’s passing serves as a catalyst to the rest of us to get engaged in the political system and utilize the tools he has provided then Pachyderm, the Republican Party and our Nation will be stronger for the loss of our dear friend.
I can think of no more fitting tribute to George than us going forward and building Pachyderm. Join us in building a fitting memorial to George; a vibrant nationwide network of Pachyderm Clubs, a stronger Republican Party and a freer America.
May God be with Lois and her family as they face the difficult days ahead and may God continue to bless this great land we call home.
