As Johnnie Babcock points out, “While he valued privacy in his home, Roy was active and maintained a high profile in civic affairs. He was as much a joiner as the insurance and real estate agents who dominate most service club memberships.” His civic and business activity earned him many honors and awards.
As Babcock said, “A loyal Rotarian, Roy rose through official chairs but never accepted its presidency. For many years he was instrumental in securing top-drawer speakers for their Wednesday noon meetings. It proved unlikely that anyone would refuse Park’s invitation to address the organization. He was a faithful Presbyterian, not only as a ruling elder, but also an usher, frequently passing the collection plate. He even found time to take responsibility to oversee and supervise the minister.”
Tony DiGiacomo, former president of First National Bank, on which board Roy served, was quoted in the Ithaca Journal when he was running area United Way operations in the 1950s. Roy was chairman of the United Way’s fund drive, the economy wasn’t good, and the drive was faltering. DiGiacomo said, “I called a board meeting on a Sunday night when you wouldn’t kick a dog out of bed. Roy appeared in a smoking jacket, casual as you please, and gave everybody a pat on the back. It was much needed, much appreciated, and that’s typical of Park’s community involvement.”
As reported in the NCSU Alumni News in 1971, “Roy’s kindness, thoughtfulness and generosity captivate those with whom he comes in contact. Despite his sometimes frantic schedule and worldwide travels, Roy finds time to lend a helping hand to many in both his professional and personal life.”
“One of Roy’s last significant community gestures was to establish at the Cornell Graduate School of Business an annual lecture series by nationally renowned business executives to honor the late Lewis H. Durland, retired treasurer of Cornell University. Roy regarded Lew as his best friend. He relied on Durland’s advice about investments and interest rates, and greatly admired his business acumen,” Johnnie remembers.