Edgar Leach Parks, 94, of St. Mary's City, MD died March 14, 2012 at home. Born July 24, 1917, in North Bay Ontario, Canada, he was the son of the late George Morden Parks and Georginda (Houldsworth) Parks.

Ed worked as a reporter in Canada where he met his wife and soul mate of 68 years, the late Elsie (McIntosh) Parks. They immigrated to New Bedford, Massachusetts shortly after World War II where he worked as a professional boat builder until he opened his own photography studio.

In 1949, Ed became the editor and general manager of a small town newspaper in Wareham, MA. From there, he went on to work in electronics for the printing industry, first in service and later in sales. With only a high school education, Ed was promoted to manage his company's operations in Holland. Following a two year stint in Europe, he returned to Long Island, NY, where he worked as a vice president and sales manager for a Division of Siemens until his retirement.

A lifelong sailor and boat builder, Ed completed construction of a 40 ft. sailboat in 1964 which has sailed around the world and is still cruising the California coast today. Moving to St. Mary's County in 1968, Ed and Elsie cruised the Chesapeake Bay and down to Florida and the Bahamas in various sail and power boats. He finally gave up boating in 2005 at the age of 88.

Edgar is survived by his son, Greig Parks and daughter in law, Tricia Parks of Dameron, MD and his daughter, Shelly Boyleston, of Hickory, NC and four grandchildren, Cory Parks, Haylie Parks, Missy Brewer, Becky Von Osinski and three great grandchildren.

Services will be private.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Ridge Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 520, Ridge, MD 20680 or the Ridge Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 456, Ridge, MD 20680.

Arrangements provided by Brinsfield Funeral Home.