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Remembering Coach Parks

The following information was published in the Almanac's print edition, with photos by Michelle Le.

Friends, family, colleagues and students gathered on the Menlo-Atherton High School football field on Sept. 17 for a memorial for Coach Ben Parks, who died Aug. 19 at age 77.

Coach Parks retired from M-A in 1999 after 31 years of coaching football and wrestling, but couldn't stay away, returning to work with, encourage and inspire young athletes throughout his last years.

In top photo, NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame player Ronnie Lott, a former student of Coach Ben Parks, leads attendees in a moment of silence. At left, Coach Parks' son Ralph is embraced prior to the memorial service.

Posted by My Friend Coach Parks, a resident of the Menlo Park: Central Menlo Park neighborhood, on Sep 20, 2011 at 7:15 pm

Thanks Coach! We miss you.

Posted by Aishah Ahmad, a resident of another community, on Sep 23, 2011 at 5:38 am

Coach Parks was the best... He always appreciated effort,had a vibrant personality...

Posted by Victor Perez, a resident of the Menlo Park: other neighborhood, on Sep 25, 2011 at 12:48 pm

Coach Park's was a great man he helped many young boys become men. He help both my sons become better men and instill a drive and compettivness that improved thier lives. I would like to see one of those young men he helped do a sculpture of Coach Parks, would any buddy willing to contribute to the cost of doing a sculpture of Coach Parks. Call me Victor Perez 650-302-1112

Coach Parks helped a lot of people and I would like to see some kind of tribute to him, he was a great man.