Ron Parker showed above normal talent in art as a child, which was not surprising since both parents had artistic abilities. However, as a six-footer in eighth grade, his future seemed to be in basketball. High school was followed by four years of apprenticeship in commercial art. Then came college with Parker as an architectural student.  It didn't work, and he returned to commercial art where he learned to use gouache. Finally came another stint at school and a degree in education. For a time he worked in track and field administration. Appropriate for the 1966 Canadian Decathlon Champion!