David ‘Parky’ Parker, 1950-2026
It was with great sadness that we learnt of the death of David ‘Parky’ Parker on 7th January 2026 - a fine man, player, and great supporter of the Club. He was 75.
Where do we start with this great man? The phrase ‘rugby legend’ is a rather ubiquitous term these days, but we think we can say that Parky was - and always will be to EAFC members - a true ‘Accies legend’. Of course, we’re not talking about a Phil MacPherson, David Sole or Jeremy Richardson type of Accies legend, who all battled with honour on the pitch in the sky blue and white hoops, but another sort of legend – the type that worked tirelessly in the trenches, behind the scenes and expected very little back, safe in the knowledge that he was helping his beloved Accies. This down to earth and very likeable Yorkshireman found his second home down at Raeburn Place and made it his passion to help continue our great legacy of rugby friendship.
David Mabson Parker was born in Barnsley in 1950 and, despite moving to Scotland in 1995, remained a Yorkshireman at heart. He was educated at St Bees School, Cumbria and studied Business Studies at Sheffield Hallam University with a sponsorship from the British Steel Corporation.
St Bees Colts XV 1965-6 – Parky front row second from the right – his old friend Bruce Murdoch holding the ball.
His interests were rugby, golf, walking, climbing and rowing. He was a member of Wath upon Dearne RUFC, Abbeydale Sports Club, City of Sheffield Rowing Club and Wortley Golf Club. A compound fracture in his left leg (an honourable rugby injury) effectively ended his rugby and rowing careers, but he continued to play golf and walk regularly for many years.
He met and married Sue (a southerner unable to make a decent Yorkshire pudding!) and they had three sons and a daughter. Initially the family lived in Sheffield and Stainborough.
With three friends from Sheffield, Parky started a golf society (‘The PPP and B’) and continued to join them on their annual ‘meetings’ until last year. Apart from two occasions, these were always ‘stag’ events, but partners were invited to France and Norfolk - his 5 month old daughter, Tilly, memorably sleeping peacefully under the dinner and billiard tables in France!
Parky worked initially for British Steel Corporation and later for Weir plc and Morton Hodson Management Consultants, and from the late seventies to the mid-eighties spent a large amount of time in the Middle East – when Dubai was one hotel on a creek and the only contact with the family was via postcard – of either the Kuwait TV tower or a camel!
In 1995 the family moved to Edinburgh and Parky almost immediately found his way to Raeburn Place and Accies. However, Parky’s relationship with the Club started purely by chance – and how lucky we are that it turned out like it did! His great friend, Vincent O’Donoghue, fondly recalled:
In 1995, on the first Saturday after arriving in Edinburgh from down south, Parky left his flat in Fettes Row and, asking a local where he could find the nearest rugby club, headed in the direction of 'Nailacre'. He navigated his way there and after the match went into the clubhouse, where he had a number of pints. He eventually left pretty disappointed, as nobody had talked to him/acknowledged his presence.
The following Saturday, he turned up at Raeburn Place. After the match, myself and a number of Accies were drinking in the Ben Tod Lounge. On the way to the loo, I noticed a gentleman drinking on his own and nodded to him as I passed by. The gentleman, who I assumed was waiting for some friends to join him, nodded back. On my return, I saw that the gentleman was still on his own and went over to have a chat with him. The gentleman in question was Parky and, after a few minutes of conversation, I invited him over to join the other Accies at the Bar. The rest, as they say, is history!
Parky quickly became an active and dedicated supporter of the Club, helping organise the Club’s 140th anniversary celebrations in November 1997, which included organising a celebratory match - David Sole’s Grand Slam XV vs. EAFC President’s XV - followed by a memorable black tie dinner in a marquee at Raeburn Place.
It didn’t take long for the Club to recognise Parky’s talents and so it came to pass that in 1998 Parky took over as (a very proud) Club President. However, it wasn’t an easy time for the Club, with players leaving after dropping down a division. His commitment and belief came at a moment when it was needed most. He went on to serve 2 terms as President, 1998/9 and 1999/2000. The 1st XV captains during his tenure were Chris Black, Duncan Graham and Craig Harrison – all of whom had nothing but great respect (with a large dollop of comedy thrown in) for Parky. Duncan fondly recalled a story that, in time, went down in Accies folklore:
On an Accies golf trip to Gullane No 3 in the late 90s or early 2000s – I can’t recall when exactly - I was in a foursome with Parky, Jamie Stuart and now I forget who else unfortunately. We’d played some decidedly average golf, but the banter was good and the day lovely as ever in East Lothian. On one hole we were quite far back from the road and it was Parky’s turn to tee off. He’d had quite a few really poor drives, so we weren’t expecting much and we weren’t disappointed on this occasion as he squaffed the ball 20m to the left and into some bushes. As he swung, there was a very distant revving of a motorbike engine, but hardly in your face. At which point Parky uttered the immortal words - ‘bloody motorbikes!’ - squarely blaming his poor form on the distant and faint sound that was barely audible…The caring group we were then used ‘bloody motorbikes’ at every opportunity for a terrible shot (and there were many) and the rest is legend…..
President Parky standing far left with the 1st XV Squad 1999-2000 that won promotion from Prem 3, that included such greats as Dan Teague, Richard ‘Bumpy’ Porter, Craig ‘Mr Price’ Harrison and Mike Blair.
Parky (holding ball) with the Accies 2nd XV in front of the old Pavillion season 2002/3 – a team full of characters!
Parky loved touring and participated in tours to Biella and Toulouse amongst others and thoroughly enjoyed a trip to Hong Kong and Australia in 2013, following the British & Irish Lions.
On tour to Biella 2006 - Parky 7th from the left.
‘I seem to remember lasting 1 min and 50 secs before a hammy went! Too fit I think was the cry.’
On tour with the Lions in 2013 – a relaxing itinerary including Bangkok,
Hong Kong, Perth, Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney again!
The bottom line was, that Parky was at the heart of all things positive and fun at Accies – whether it be a post-match ‘court session’, shenanigans after great victories (who can forget the sight of Parky skateboarding outside “Chevvy’s Bar” in Aviemore after winning the Strathspey 7s?), or enjoying the odd libation or three in the Ben Tod Lounge. Indeed, Parky’s great friend and former 1st XV Captain and Club President, Simon Burns, fondly recalls the great days in the ‘BTL’ and the genesis of the well-known anthem ‘Parky’s Dirty Pint’:
A tradition commencing at the start of Parky’s Presidency in the late 1990s was the clamour amongst the players for ‘Parky’s Dirty Pint’. The chant would be heard deep in the Ben Tod Lounge, 50p contributions would be collected (25p for students) and the special drink prepared. Always in good humour, Parky would enjoy this unusual beverage and then head off into the evening suitably warmed by said refreshment.
When Parky and Sue moved up to Ullapool in 2008, Parky continued to support the Club and the ‘Hasbeens’, as well as attending many ‘Long Lunches’ at Prestonfield House Hotel and pre-match lunches in the clubhouse. He joined and became Chair of the Ullapool Hillwalking Club, as well as Chairing the Ullapool Trade and Business Association. For 13 years, he and Sue ran a successful small B&B in their home on the banks of beautiful Loch Broom, welcoming visitors from all over the world.
Our current President, Ewan Alexander, wrote last Friday:
Parky was a great servant of the Club and was universally popular. He was Club President in seasons 1998/1999 and 1999/2000 and did lots of other fantastic work at Raeburn Place over many years. I had known Parky for a long time, but got closer to him after I took on the Club’s Vice-Presidency. He was always hugely supportive and, as many of you will know, despite living some distance from Edinburgh, continued to take a forensic interest in everything that was going on at Raeburn Place. He wasn’t afraid to test and challenge on occasion, but for me, that just demonstrated his ongoing commitment to the Club. I can say without fear of contradiction, that we have lost an Accies legend and Parky will be sorely missed. Our condolences go to his wife Sue and the rest of the family. We will hold a minute’s silence before kick-off at the1st XV match on Saturday as a mark of respect.
Another great friend of Parky’s, Ruaraidh Williamson, wrote:
Parky created a remarkable legacy which continues on at the Club. I think many people will agree with me that the Accies was and is a club where they really feel a sense of belonging. A large part of that was down to Parky and his influence that extended far beyond rugby. He shaped a community, fostered lifelong friendships, and made countless people feel valued and included. That is a legacy of which any man would be proud.
Parky out for a stroll at his favourite beach at Gruinard Bay…
Our thoughts and condolences are with Parky’s many friends and family, especially his wife, Sue, and children Toby, Ed, Ross and Tilly at this sad time.
There will be a Celebration of Life gathering at the Hepburn Suite, The Royal Scots Club, 29–31 Abercromby Place, Edinburgh, EH3 5QE, from 12 noon to 3pm on Thursday 12th February.
Places are limited, but if you do wish to attend, please email Sue at theladyparker@yahoo.co.uk.
Please bring happy memories and club blazers and ties are encouraged – the louder the better!