Jeffrey AronsonUpon his retirement from Rovers North in 2017, ex-pat Les Parker embodied the qualities that make Land Rover enthusiasts ardent Anglophiles.
Les joined Rovers North from his home base in Lincolnshire, UK. In 1994 Land Rover had expanded its offerings in the US to include the Discovery I and the Defender 90. As Mark Letorney recollects, “Rovers North needed a skilled Land Rover parts specialist to handle these new-to-North America vehicles. I’ll never forget scouring our counterparts in the UK, asking if they knew of a skilled professional who might want a career stateside.”
“We worked closely with Hobson Industries, with their significant Land Rover connections, at the time. On one trip to the UK with Andrea (Letorney), we joined Les and his extended family for dinner. A few months later, in response to my inquiry about this job opportunity, Les told me, ‘Look no further, matey!’”
“Beginning in 1995, Les started with organizing our Range Rover Classic and Discovery inventory. Within two years, his true talent flourished: helping enthusiasts as a Sales Tech. His true pleasure was helping enthusiasts with their Land Rover needs. His infectious optimism, sense of [British-style] humor and sound advice – all delivered in his splendid Lincolnshire accent — were so reassuring to owners seeking advice. His became the best-known voice at Rovers North. Les also excelled at adding to the Land Rover social scene, attending events and making new Land Rover friends.”
“His food quirks were famous at Rovers North. Les would stink out our building at lunchtime preparing his fish meals (his cooking would force everyone to fling open windows) – but he would become upset when someone microwaved popcorn. Les absolutely hated the smell of popcorn!”
Les created the “Linking Lincolns” project, an adventure that started in his home region of Lincolnshire and called for a convoy to visit all of the “Lincolns” between his adopted home states of Vermont and Florida. With his passing last January 30, the North American Land Rover community has lost a rummy voice that informed and entertained enthusiasts.
He will always be Fabulously British.
[Les will be missed for a very long time. While on hold at Rovers North, listen to Les’ history of Land Rover – Fabulously British! -ed.]