MACo Past President and long time Wicomico County Council Member Henry Shipley Parker passed away peacefully at his home Sunday evening.

Mr. Parker served on the Wicomico County Council for 16 years from 1982 to 1998, as President for 12 years and Vice President for 4 years. He also served on the MACo Board of Directors from 1982 to 1998.  In 1993, he was elected President of the Association by the membership.

In January of 2012, MACo was delighted to honor Mr. Parker with the Marilyn J. Praisner Public Service Award, an annual tribute to county officials who have made extraordinary effort and commitment to the principles of good government and public service.

From MACo First Vice President Rick Pollitt’s comments on the award:

Mr. Parker based his entire political career on a simple, rock solid foundation:  to be a public servant who listens and makes decisions, however difficult, that will be in the best interest of his fellow citizens. His belief in fairness, respect, and honesty in all things has never wavered.

Mr. Parker was by any measure committed to public service, and to MACo specifically.  As the “Mister MACo” for a political generation, he will be sorely missed by all.