Santa Barbara Mourns the Loss of Tom Parker, a Beacon of Philanthropy and Leadership

Tom Parker, the visionary behind the Hutton Parker Foundation and a giant in the world of philanthropy, has passed away at the age of 77 after a courageous four-year battle with brain cancer.

Parker, a Santa Barbara native who dedicated much of his life to the betterment of the community through extensive charitable efforts, leaves behind a legacy that will resonate for generations.

Growing up on Santa Barbara’s Eastside and attending local schools from Franklin Elementary to Santa Barbara High School, Parker’s roots ran deep in the community he so passionately served. A scholar and athlete, he earned a scholarship to play football at Cal Lutheran University, where he later graduated with a Master’s in Business Administration.

Parker’s notable philanthropic career began in the 1980s when, together with his first wife, Susan, he leveraged real estate investments into a burgeoning philanthropic empire. The Hutton Parker Foundation, under Parker’s leadership since 1997, has become synonymous with community support in Santa Barbara. With an innovative approach to using real estate as a vehicle for philanthropy, Parker managed to provide affordable operational spaces for over 50 nonprofit agencies, thus enabling them to focus resources on their missions rather than overhead costs.

Over his tenure, the Hutton Parker Foundation’s assets grew from $50 million to $130 million, channeling approximately $100 million in donations to various nonprofits including the Community Environmental Council, the Rescue Mission, and Transition House, to name just a few. His contributions were pivotal in areas ranging from mental wellness and environmental defense to educational initiatives like the Carpinteria Children’s Project and affordable housing solutions for domestic-violence survivors.

“When you think about philanthropists who’ve had the most positive impact in our local history, the Hutton Parker Foundation is at the top of that list,” said Ernesto Paredes, Executive Director of Easy Lift Transportation, during the foundation’s 45th anniversary in 2024. “The Foundation’s generosity and innovative approach has been transformative for nonprofit organizations and directly benefits tens of thousands of local residents every year.”

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Parker demonstrated his leadership and commitment to community once again by spearheading a coalition that raised over $10 million for local needs during an unprecedented global crisis.

Parker is survived by his wife Karla Parker; sons Jess and Chris, their spouses Robyn and Marisa; his four grandchildren; and his former wife Susan Parker.