With more than 40 years' experience, he said one of the highlights was helping train younger valuers and he enjoyed working on arbitrations.
Having worked for Jenks Valuation Limited as an associate valuer for the past 17 years, Mr Parker said he focused on commercial and industrial valuing.
A dinner was held last Friday at Third Place Cafe, with attendees including Mr Parker's former colleagues from Wellington, Hawke's Bay and Auckland, Rotorua Lakes Council's deputy mayor Dave Donaldson and president of the New Zealand Institute of Valuers Roger Gordon.
Mr Donaldson said it was a special event as "Ken is a legend in the valuation area".
"Ken had a lifetime of service to the profession. He's a humble, lovely gentleman. It was a privilege to be there and to acknowledge his service to what is an important profession."
Mr Donaldson said Mr Parker recounted his career at the dinner.
"It was very interesting and included a range of disciplines, including negotiations and mentoring young people."
He said Mr Parker was also an athlete of some note, competing in marathons, Ironman events and representing New Zealand at the Commonwealth Games.
Kendall Russ, one of the directors of Telfer Young and chairman of the Rotorua/Taupo branch of the New Zealand Institute of Valuers, said he saw the awarding of a life membership as similar to a knighthood.
"They don't give them out very often."
