After dedicating more than a quarter-century to chronicling the dynamic business landscape of Calgary, esteemed Herald columnist David Parker has announced his retirement. This decision marks the end of an era for a journalist who has been a steadfast narrator of the city's economic dreams and achievements.
A Difficult Decision and Personal Reflections
Informing editor-in-chief Monica Zurowski that he was submitting his final column was an emotionally challenging moment for Parker. For over 25 years, he had consistently produced two columns weekly, making this work an integral part of his life. However, the demanding nature of sourcing compelling stories, conducting interviews, and ensuring meticulous accuracy—such as correctly spelling names—became increasingly burdensome.
Compounding this, Parker's wife has resided in a care home for the past year, requiring daily visits and assistance with feeding, which demanded more of his time and attention. Encouraged by his two caring yet assertive daughters, Parker recognized that the time had come to step away. He humorously noted that while he had hoped to write until age 90, he is opting for "Freedom 88" instead, as that milestone is still 18 months away.
A Storied Career Rooted in Calgary
Parker's journey in Calgary began in July 1963 when he and his wife arrived via the ocean liner Empress of Canada after a lengthy transatlantic voyage, accompanied by their Labrador, Paddy. As a young couple from London entering a city of approximately 200,000 residents, they were newcomers with no local connections. Parker's passion for newspapers led him to The Albertan, where he started selling advertising shortly after his arrival.
His early career included roles as the face of The Albertan under publisher Frank McCool, attending landmark events such as the inaugural train ride at Heritage Park, the opening of the Calgary Tower, and the launch of Mount Royal College. Over the years, Parker built strong relationships within Calgary's business community, which later proved invaluable during his tenure as a columnist.
From Advertising to Journalism
Parker's professional path included a decade in advertising and another ten years with the Calgary Economic Development Authority, where he handled communications and film industry responsibilities. It was during this period that the late Ken King approached him to write a business column. Initially declining twice due to other media commitments, Parker reconsidered after leaving CEDA and agreed to write the column, humorously negotiating payment since he had just quit his job.
This transition allowed him to leverage his extensive network of business contacts, cultivated over two decades, to produce the insightful "Around Town" columns for the Herald. Parker expresses profound gratitude for the privilege of witnessing and documenting the visions of Calgary's dreamers come to fruition.
Celebrating Calgary's Visionaries
Throughout his career, Parker had the honor of standing alongside numerous innovators who shaped the city's landscape. He highlights several key figures:
- Mark McCullough of Canada Lands, whose perseverance transformed Currie Barracks into a premier community.
- Randy Remington, who envisioned and developed the muddy wasteland that became the successful Quarry Park.
- Bob Harris, who repurposed an old furniture store on 11th Avenue into the Vintage Towers development.
- Ron Mathison, who realized his dream of converting Penny Lane into the elegant Eighth Avenue Place.
These stories exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit that Parker has passionately covered, underscoring his role in celebrating the individuals who have made Calgary a vibrant place to live and work.
A Legacy of Positive Storytelling
Reflecting on his career, Parker emphasizes the immense privilege afforded to him by the Herald to share positive narratives about business leaders contributing to the city's growth. His work has not only documented economic progress but also fostered a sense of community and inspiration. As he puts down his pen, Parker leaves behind a rich legacy of journalism that has chronicled Calgary's evolution from a modest city into a thriving metropolitan hub.
His retirement signifies the end of a significant chapter in Calgary's media landscape, but the stories he told will continue to resonate, reminding readers of the power of dreams and determination in building a better city.
