Captain Don Parker - RIP

[Hooper]

I thought some of you might know Captain Don Parker. He was a fixture in Sesuit Harbor in East Dennis for as long as I have been alive, but much longer than that.

For more than 30 years he owned and operated the "Prime Rate" charter service and I had the honor of working as his mate for a number of summers as a teenager, as many young guys did.

As former Marine and Deputy Sherriff wit the Barnstable Country Sherriff's Office, he could be rough on you sometimes, but the day would always end with a grandfatherly hug and him saying"Good work today, buddy."

He took thousands of people fishing each season and entertained them like very few skippers could do. I used to say that the fishing on the Prime Rate was only half the show, Donald's jokes, laughter and storytelling were the real reason his customers booked him each year. His client base is enermous for this reason. I will miss him.

If anyone is interested, his memorial service is today, 4-7pm at Hallett's Funeral Home on Station Ave. South Yarmouth, Mass.