North Texas Has Lost A Very Good Man (walt Parker Passed Away)

[UNT_playmaker]

I was very suprised to read this as my family has been very close to the Parkers for a long time. I actually had the pleasure of visiting him during this last Christmas, as we do every year and he was doing good and we talked about UNT Football and he was excited the new stadium was going up pretty soon. Pretty sad to hear this, as the VP of Governmental Affairs since 1979, he led UNT into the modern era in my opinion. Bringing numerous new bldgs to UNT ( ESSAT and Rec Center) by going down to Austin to meet with state officials. A REAL Mean Green Fan who championed for UNT to always strive to be the best.

Its too bad that only a street at UNT is named after him (leading to the Waranch Tennis Center), I hope that this quickly changes.

He was actually one of the reasons why I chose to attend UNT for my bachelors and then my masters, had such a great character and would tell you things as he saw it or the way it was.

http://www.dentonrc.com/sharedcontent/dws/...3.a518cca8.html

[SilverEagle]

Is there any part of the new stadium that we can put his name on?

[eulessismore]

I was very suprised to read this as my family has been very close to the Parkers for a long time. I actually had the pleasure of visiting him during this last Christmas, as we do every year and he was doing good and we talked about UNT Football and he was excited the new stadium was going up pretty soon. Pretty sad to hear this, as the VP of Governmental Affairs since 1979, he led UNT into the modern era in my opinion. Bringing numerous new bldgs to UNT ( ESSAT and Rec Center) by going down to Austin to meet with state officials. A REAL Mean Green Fan who championed for UNT to always strive to be the best.

Its too bad that only a street at UNT is named after him (leading to the Waranch Tennis Center), I hope that this quickly changes.

He was actually one of the reasons why I chose to attend UNT for my bachelors and then my masters, had such a great character and would tell you things as he saw it or the way it was.

http://www.dentonrc.com/sharedcontent/dws/...3.a518cca8.html

The ESSAT is a great building, and an example of what modern architecture can be, especially when compared with the brutal modern look of the GAB and some others. I believe the Rec Center is also quite nice, but have never been inside it. Kudos to him for involvement in such.

[KRAM1]

I actually think SilverEagle has a very good point. If anyone should have a part of the stadium named for them it would be Walt parker. I, too, have the privilege of saying that I knew Walt parker. A gentleman, an athlete, a Denton-guy and a very proud member of the Mean Green Nation. If you did not ever have the pleasure of meeting Walt Parker, it is too bad. Great guy who did lots of good work for UNT.

May God grant him peace! My thoughts and prayers go out to the Parker family.

[eulessismore]

I actually think SilverEagle has a very good point. If anyone should have a part of the stadium named for them it would be Walt parker. I, too, have the privilege of saying that I knew Walt parker. A gentleman, an athlete, a Denton-guy and a very proud member of the Mean Green Nation. If you did not ever have the pleasure of meeting Walt Parker, it is too bad. Great guy who did lots of good work for UNT.

May God grant him peace! My thoughts and prayers go out to the Parker family.

He seemed like a politician that you never heard anything bad about; apparently that kind of public servant.

[letsgiveacheer]

What a gentleman he was. RIP.

[Rudy]

Is there any part of the new stadium that we can put his name on?

Im pretty sure there is something that Dickey hasnt got dibs on yet. We should hurry before Mac decides to weigh in.

[Green Dozer]

Im pretty sure there is something that Dickey hasnt got dibs on yet. We should hurry before Mac decides to weigh in.

Classless Post Rudy....a thread like this regarding a man who was very loyal to UNT and an ardent supporter of our athletic programs is not a place for comments such as the one you have posted!

Edited January 23, 2010 by Green Dozer

[ParksAndRecRick]

Indeed a true UNT Legend! We all are saddened by his passing...

[UNT_playmaker]

I just got off the phone with his son, Walt Jr. and he expresses his appreciation for all of the well-wishers. This man is truly the real deal and served not only Mean Green but also the Metroplex and the Great State of Texas. One of the finest politicians this state has ever known.

I also believe that Mr. Parker should be recognized in some way with the new football stadium, he not only was part of a championship lone star conference team, and a UNT HOFamer, but repaid his debt to his alma mater but making UNT the sprawling campus we see it as today.

Mean Green Nation is in mourning...

[shutter]

He was a fried of my Dads as well as a great NT Alum. He also officiated NFL football with a superbowl in his resume.

[Rudy]

Get a grip Dozer, I was agreeing on naming something after him.

*This post was edited for content*

Edited January 24, 2010 by Rudy