Sid W. Parker died peacefully in his home July 13, 2016, in Enumclaw, Wash., surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Lincoln, Neb., April 11, 1936, the only child of William and Gladys Parker. Sid graduated from Battleground High School in 1953, where he was an accomplished baseball and basketball player. It was during his years growing up in the Battleground area that he met his future wife and lifelong partner, Bobbie Kirk.

After graduating, he attended the University of Washington, where he was a member of Theta Chi fraternity and played baseball. During this time Sid and Bobbie were married on Aug. 26, 1955.

He graduated from the University of Washington with a teaching degree, and later obtained a master’s degree in mathematics from Reed College and his administrator’s certificate from Western Washington University.

Sid and Bobbie moved to Oak Harbor in 1957, where he began his career in education as a math teacher at Oak Harbor High School. He was also a highly successful head baseball coach who built lifelong friendships with many of his former players.

Eventually, he became the assistant principal and then principal of the high school.

He continued as principal for 17 years, opening a new high school building in the community and leaving a legacy of educational excellence and changed lives. After retiring, he studied to become a certified financial planner and established a small financial services business.

After 57 years in Oak Harbor, Sid and Bobbie moved to Enumclaw in 2013, to be near their children and grandchildren.

Sid deeply loved his family and enjoyed activities of all kinds.

Throughout his life he was an avid outdoorsman. He loved golf, camping, hunting and fishing with family and friends. In retirement, he and Bobbie traveled around the world.

He was high-energy, loved to laugh and was a natural leader with a big personality.

Above all, he had the heart of a teacher, mentoring students and colleagues and sharing life’s lessons with his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Bobbie Parker; son Terry and Lisa Parker of Enumclaw; daughter Vickie and Lawrence Hughes of Buckley; and son Neil and Denise Parker of Calgary, Alberta. He is also survived by his eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A private family service was held in Enumclaw July 15, 2016.