Parker Lumber Co., one of Bremerton’s oldest businesses, will be winding down its operations over the next 60 days and holding a liquidation sale starting January 4, according to a statement by Rick Barnes, company President. “The current building environment is more difficult than it has been in over 70 years, and while Parker Lumber has always had its share of the market, we no longer feel that the potential exists for a reasonable level of business to continue into the coming year and possibly beyond,” Barnes said. He said the business expects to close about March 1 and that 16 employees would be affected. He also stated that he had received inquiries from other building material dealers about Parker’s East Bremerton location and was in discussion with them about a possible sale or lease of the property.

Parker Lumber was founded over 87 years ago in Bremerton and has a long history of local community service. Ike Parker, who ran the business until 1994 when it was purchased by Barnes, passed away in 2004 and was known for his community involvement, including pivotal roles in founding the Bremerton YMCA and the Admiral Theatre Foundation. The company continued his tradition of community support over the past 15 years.

“We certainly regret the need for this decision after so many years of success in Kitsap County, but as anyone involved in construction knows, this recession is like nothing we have ever been through before, and we don’t see a light at the end of the tunnel anytime soon,” Barnes said. He went on to say that “we want to express our heartfelt appreciation to our customers and employees who have so strongly supported us over the years, and we wish them the best in the coming year.”