1985 President Donald. B. Parks

•Born Portland, Oregon, December 28, 1912
•Father: Rupert Norris Parks, Born county of Kent, England
•Mother: Newell Oakes Parks, Born Salt Lake City, Utah

1984 - DONALD B. PARKS

After Graduating from Rose City Park Grade School and Grant High school in Portland, I entered the School of architecture and Allied Arts at the University of Oregon. In pursuing my Bachelor of science degree, on of my elective courses was an Introduction to Geology, and one of my instructors was Lloyd Ruff who served as GSOC's 9th president in 1943.

Phi Kappa Psi fraternity became my Greek connection while attending the University. Eugene was becoming my permanent residence after graduating in 1939. Part-time work in an architectural office and part time in the school of architecture continued until 1941.

At that time I returned to Portland after accepting an engineering position with Albina Engine and Machine works, a Portland shipyard building navy ships. It there that I met Enid, who was employed as a secretary. We were married in June of 1943 and became firmly settled in Portland.

I was granted a certificate to practice architecture in 1951 and shortly thereafter established my own architectural office.  My works included the design of schools, churches, a number of residences and a variety of structures for Pacific Northwest Bell.

In 1971 I accepted a position as architect with Pacific Power and Light Company, and retired in 1978.  While there, I was invited by my longtime friend John Bonebrake to give a luncheon program of slides I had taken on a visit to Southern Spain. Following that introduction to GSOC, I joined the Society in 1973, and to my surprise, in 1985, became its 51st president.