By Cynthia King For The Mountain Times
With deep sadness, we announce the passing of David Scott Parker, who left us peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 13th. He is survived by his beloved wife, Robin, owner of Chicali Cantina in Welches; their daughters, Britney and Chelsey Parker; his sister, Janice Parker and brother Merritt Pardini. David was a devoted husband, father, brother, and friend.
Raised in Arcadia, California, David’s life was characterized by a readiness to explore new paths and a steadfast commitment to his family. As a young man, he worked in his family’s machining business, cleaned pools, and even launched a fishing rod shop, designing a line of fishing lures. He attended several colleges, including California State University, Northridge, and Citrus College’s EMT program, where he met Robin Parker in 1988. Together, they pursued shared dreams with passion.
One of David’s passions was racing. He participated in events like the Tecate to Ensenada bicycle race and outfitted a truck that he and Robin drove in the Baja 1000 and other SCORE races.
Together, they raised their two daughters, Britney and Chelsey. David enjoyed sharing his love for speed with his girls, taking them boating, boarding and off-roading.
David worked in the automotive industry before dutifully returning to manage his family’s company, Metric Machining. David and Robin, however, had their hearts set on living in Oregon. They moved to Lake Oswego in 1995 and then to West Linn in 2001. David continued as CEO of Metric, working remotely, and in 2019 they settled in Rhododendron, embracing mountain life. David became a familiar face in the community, often coaxing Robin out to local restaurants and bars to socialize.
When Robin pursued her dream of opening a restaurant, David fully supported her. He delegated the daily operations of his company to a trusted friend so he could help Robin bring Chicali Cantina to life. David’s creative spirit shone brightly in the tequila bottle pendant lights he handcrafted for the bar. A natural storyteller, he delighted in going table to table, sharing Dum-Dums lollipops and tales of pride about his wife and the restaurant.
David Scott Parker will be remembered for his commitment to his family and their dreams. His legacy lives on through the lives he touched and the stories he shared. A celebration of David’s life is planned for Tuesday March 11th from 12-2 PM at Chicali Cantina.