Butch Parks Memorial Scholarship

The employees and family of Butch Parks established this scholarship to honor the life and legacy of a beloved entrepreneur, visionary, mentor, husband, father, friend, and employer. This scholarship supports graduating students pursuing careers in the trades or vocational fields after high school.
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Butch attended refrigeration and air-conditioning school before working a variety of jobs, including farming, delivering milk door-to-door, working in a meat processing plant, and even peeling potatoes at Mike’s Fisherman’s Wharf. He had a lifelong passion for speed and snowmobiling, and after a racing accident resulted in the loss of his leg, he remained determined to push forward.
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In 1983, Butch purchased Gibson Sporting Goods, now known as Parks Marina, and built a legacy that would leave a lasting impact on the marine industry and the Iowa Great Lakes community. Throughout his life, he employed thousands of young people and led with the values he believed defined success: Values, Enthusiasm, Discipline, and Endurance.
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Under his leadership, the business earned national recognition and became a respected leader in the marine industry. More importantly, Butch built a life centered on family, community, and the people who worked alongside him. He believed strongly in giving back to the community that supported him and helping future generations pursue their goals through hard work and opportunity.
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Butch often said he achieved success the “old-fashioned way” — through hard work.
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To learn more about donations and qualifications contact marketing@parksmarina.com.