Deceased Fishing Instructor Remembered with Scholarship

A fishing instructor who touched the lives of thousands of children in Palm Harbor and surrounding communities will be remembered with a scholarship in his name.

The Dean Parks Memorial Scholarship is being offered by CSA Palm Harbor. The need-based scholarship is for Palm Harbor residents.

Erica Lynford, the director of CSA Palm Harbor/The Centre, says a scholarship is a fitting tribute for "Capt. Dean," who was a beloved member of the community.

"It actually was the community and outpouring of love from the Crystal Beach and Ozona residents who knew Dean and grew up with him. They approached us and wanted to do an annual tournament of some kind and a scholarship fund. Of course we agreed, whole heartedly," she said.

Parks lived in Crystal Beach and hosted fishing camps for kids through CSA Palm Harbor's camp program. He also operated the charter fishing business Absolute Angling Adventures Fishing Guides out of Marino's Marina.

"He had just an amazing love for people. Dean demonstrated his love for the community and people in it. I know he touched thousands of people's lives over the past decade," said Lynford.

Parks died Jan. 9 and left behind his spouse, Amanda Baty, and their two children, Fisher and Marlee. 

His friends recently held a spaghetti dinner to raise money for his family. The dinner attracted a packed house at J.C. Cravers restaurant in Ozona. 

Among those in attendance was "Capt. Mark" Watson, a fellow charter fisherman who was also a close friend of "Capt. Dean." Watson donated a fish sculpture that he made. The sculpture was raffled with the proceeds helping Dean's family.

"It's a blessing to know Dean's had so many close friends to help his family," said Watson, who was selected to teach kids fishing camps at CSA Palm Harbor after Dean's death.

CSA Palm Harbor will be holding numerous fundraisers that will benefit the Dean Parks Memorial Scholarship Fund.

The fundraisers include-

• Coed Softball One Pitch Tournament, Sunday, April 6
• Coed Kickball Tournament, Saturday, April 6
• Cornhole Tournament, Saturday, April 6
• Men's One Pitch Tournament, Saturday, April 6 

A separate Captain Dean Parks Classic Memorial Fishing Fundraiser that is bring organized by Marino's Marina will benefit Dean's family. The fishing fundraiser will be held March 30.

Related-

• Dean Parks Memorial Scholarship
• Community Mourns Death of Beloved Fishing Camp Instructor
• Reader Photos: Remembering Capt. Dean Parks
• Friends Organize Spaghetti Dinner to Benefit Family of Beloved Fishing Camp Instructor

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