Scott S. Parker receives Continuum of Caring Award

Intermountain Catholic

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Scott S. Parker receives the CHRISTUS St. Joseph Villa Continuum of Caring Award from Pamela Atkinson, Sister of Charity of the Incarnate Word M. Stephen Guiry and Galen K. Ewer, president and CEO of St. Joseph Villa at Little America on April 14.

SALT LAKE CITY — Scott S. Parker was honored by many April 14 as he received the 20th annual CHRISTUS St. Joseph Villa Continuum of Caring Award at Little America. The Friends of St. Joseph Villa received support from The George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation, Patrons Jon and Karen Huntsman, Frederick Q. Lawson, the Philip McCarthey Family and Irene C. Sweeney, CHRISTUS Health, and the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word as well as sponsors the Abbey of the Holy Trinity and Intermountain Healthcare and supporters O.C. Tanner and dozens of donors.

The evening began with a silent auction and drinks before dinner. M.C. Pamela Atkinson kept the dinner going as a film tribute to Parker was anxiously awaited.

Atkinson introduced Msgr. J. Terrence Fitzgerald diocesan vicar general, who spoke on behalf Most Reverend John C. Wester, who is recovering from surgery.

"It is an understatement of the tremendous import that Scott Parker contributes to Salt Lake City, for the needs are many, and the time has come for all of us to support one another," Msgr. Fitzgerald said.

The video featured many friends and colleagues of Parker giving tribute to the man whose outreach to others defines who he is.

He was described as one of the first people who defined a continuum of care, and was instrumental in establishing clinics for the uninsured and the underinsured especially for children.

The first president of Intermountain Health Care, Parker also serves as a member of the Interfaith Roundtable and as an ambassador for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Another colleague described him as a man of outreach to people of all faiths; one who is colorblind to people of all nationalities.

"Always a gentleman, he is a bridgebuilder, bringing others together," another said.

Parker’s wife, Sydne, was credited with supporting him in his career.

"Scott was a major mentor, and has the capacity to use few words," it was said of him. "He is gentle, persuasive, quiet, and graceful."

Sydne Parker described her husband as a man who preferred to stay behind the scenes; one who is hard working and cheerful.

The two met in their high school choir.

After receiving his award, Parker paid tribute to his family, thanking each one for being there and for contributing to the evening, which closed with a live auction.