Tad (Russell) Parks:  

[Updated 09/26/2021`} Life BS (Chemistry) UAlbany 1967, BBA (Accounting), Cum laude UW-Milwaukee 1984, M.Div. Nashotah House 1971. Currently, a CPA, Retired from management with Milwaukee County (government) in August 2006. Active in genealogy, and ham radio (Formerly K2LXY, Now W9NOT), and stamp collecting. Have resided in Milwaukee City for the past 46 years, Wisconsin for 54 years. Update 2008, I was ordained Deacon in January, and Priest in July of 2003 in the Episcopal Church, Diocese of Milwaukee, under the name in religion of Fr. Michael. Was in the Tentmaker ministry until I retired from Milwaukee County (government) where I was working as a CPA in Payroll, Taxes, and related fields. I now only serve One Master! I am currently assigned as an Assisting Priest at St. Peter's Church, West Allis, WI, and doing supply work throughout the Diocese. {see further on] 26 July 2009 Update> This was my last Sunday at St. Peter's awaiting a new permanent assignment. I have been there, first as a Deacon, and then Priest for a little over 6 years. It has been a good cure to have. Today's Mass was quite something, very glorious, in Anglican terms. I was very happy to be able to retire in 2006. It has worked out very well for me. You know when the time comes. A project that was out of control, and yet you were supposed to have responsibility for it; a political environment that was truly poisonous, and just realizing that 18 years was enough. The fun thing about doing supply (being a substitute priest for one on vacation, sabbatical, or sick) is that (a) the first time there, they don't know what they are getting, (b) you don't know what you are getting into, and (c) one sure has to be flexible. You never quite know what they might spring on you. But I enjoy it much, and it allows me to get known not for someone who flaps their jaw at Diocesan Meetings, but as someone who they have seen at the Altar, in the Pulpit, and with the people. Right now, I am very happy at the place I am at. 26 Sept 2011 Update> Since my last update, I have been reassigned to The Cathedral Church of All Saints, here in Milwaukee as an Assisting Priest. I am there during the week, but not always on Sundays as I still do a lot of Supply work (See above). In fact, in less than two weeks I will be back at St. Peter's Church for a long-term Supply assignment that may last months or more. In September 2010, We had a car accident on I-88 outside of Schenectady which totally destroyed my 2004 Honda Accord. Fortunately, we both were able to walk away from the wrecked car with little or no injuries. My only issue was a re-aggravation of any old deteriorating disk problem (L5/S1) that had not bothered me in years. But I am happy to say that after several months of therapy I am back to my pre-accident state on that. Having gotten a very good settlement on my Honda, and feeling up to test driving cars I got myself a new vehicle in December 2010, a 2011 Ford Escape.. Besides Church, I am busy as an Executive Director of an international surname genealogical society, and playing with trains in a HO scale model railroad club. Have not been active as a Ham Radio operator in some time but this winter I need to be doing that. I would like to propose that we all of the class of 1963 from Ichabod Crane Central start to think about the 50th Anniversary Reunion in 2013. By starting now we would have time to hunt down members of the class and get a date and place set for the get-together. I am hoping that we can do this on our own, our class only. Thoughts on this possibility would be appreciated. Update 22 Aug 2012> Since last October, I have been the long-term interim Supply Priest at St. Peter's Church in West Allis, WI, a near in suburb of Milwaukee. Their Rector retired about three years ago, and according to Diocesan policy they had an Interim Rector for the next 18 months. After he left (completion of assignment) they were using supply priests de jure (whoever was available for that Sunday). Last September the Senior Warden (he is the head of the church council, called in our community a Vestry) called me and since I had prior history with St. Peter's, asked me if I would be willing to come back as a long term supply. I knew the parish, they knew me, and no one seemed to be throwing bricks at me, he felt it would be a good fit. As it stands I will be there through the end of this year. Things have gone well, though we just suffered the loss of our long time and fantastic organist (49 years and still very good) to cancer. This is a really big change for St. Peter's as he often brought in ensembles to play for special services (Mid-night Mass at Christmas, the Easter Vigil, etc). Fortunately, the organ builder (the instrument is being rebuilt) who is also an organist appears to be stepping in for the time being. So much for being retired, but at least this is keeping me out of trouble. Fr. Michael Tad (Russell) ...Expand for more