Daniel Philip Parks, 76, passed away on April 18, 2025, after a five-year battle with cancer. He was born on January 28, 1949.

Dan was raised by a hard-working family in Sparta, MI. His mother hired him as a cook at Quality Lunch, his family’s restaurant. They added the “Dan Burger” to the menu after he enlisted in the Marine Corps (Vietnam War) at 18 years old. He was proud of who he became after his 4 years of service, and loved telling stories from his experience. Later he lived in Fremont where he honed his craft as a woodworker at Norwood Looms, and continued to make things for family and friends throughout his life. He poured himself into his role as event manager for Country Fresh Dairy, where he created award-winning event experiences, including a Grand Prix racing event through downtown Grand Rapids. Dan and Clare raised their kids at a beautiful ranch in Rockford with acres of land that he took care of meticulously, and there was never a shortage of ice cream. He worked as a realtor, building life-long connections with his charming and authentic personality. Throughout his life he bought and sold antiques—his own home a showcase of collectibles. Later in life would make weekly trips to sell items at Kaleidoscope of Times, an antique store in Greenville. He loved spending hours in the barn organizing his treasures, refurbishing furniture, and making things. He was incredibly proud of his homestead, The Parks Compound.

Dan was passionate about music and had an impressive record collection. As kids, he would take Sam and Leslie to pick out new albums on the weekends, and later they attended many memorable concerts together, including Roger Waters of Pink Floyd. He loved to entertain, and hosted “The Last Great Halloween Party” at least five times. He felt so much joy when he was cooking hearty meals for his family and friends, especially steak on the grill in the summer. He was always the life of the party and you couldn’t help but have a good time around him.

Dan was supportive of his children’s passions and was fully connected to them throughout his life. Dan, Clare, Sam, and Leslie have always been a close family, even after Dan and Clare were no longer married. Dan would spoil the family with unique, high-quality, and thoughtful gifts for Christmas every year, including Sam’s first electric guitar when he was ten years old. Dan attended as many of Sam’s live performances as possible, and would always comment that “Sam isn’t loud enough.” He was deeply proud of his “favorite daughter,” Leslie, for building her freelance graphic design business and her dedication to fitness, both passions of hers that were inspired and nurtured by her dad.

Dan was creative, funny, hard-working, and organized. He touched so many lives with his character, work ethic, and ability to connect with people. Everyone who has met him knows how special he was.

He is survived by his children, Sam and Leslie Parks, his ex-wife and longtime friend, Clare Parks, his brother Delton (Dianne) Parks, his sister Betty Ann (Dennis) Pratt, and his special friend Bonnie Morgan. He was preceded in death by his infant son Daniel John Parks, his brother Duane (Lois) Parks, and his parents Earle and Cecelia Parks.