We deeply regret to report that Capt. William E. Parker died on September 30 at Fort Lauderdale, Fla., after a long illness.

Capt. Parker was born at Newton, Mass., and received the degree of B.S. in Civil Engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1899. He entered the service on February 18, 1901. During his many years in the Bureau he served aboard the Ships PATTERSON, HYDROGRAPHER, BACHE, and FATHOMER. He did duty in Puerto Rico, Panama, Philippines and Alaska as well as in the United States. From 1919 to 1931 he was Chief of the Division of H. & T. (now Coastal Surveys) and was in command of the HYDROGRAPHER until he retired from active service on October 31, 1934.

Capt. Parker is survived by his wife and one daughter who are now living in Florida.

Capt. Parker will be remembered by many of the old timers in the Bureau, as of course by the commissioned force. He was a rather quiet man with a pipe constantly in his mouth, a deep sense of humor and a fine chief to work for. The author best remembers him when he caused a near riot in the old building at 119-D St., by setting the wastebasket on fire when acting as Director. It seems some of the extinguishers weren’t working and the rug received a severe baptism.

We extend our sincere condolences to Mrs. Parker and family.

In: “The Buzzard,” Vol. IX, October 8, 1942. P. 4.