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GERALD DANA PARKINSON
Date of Passing: Apr 21, 2012
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryGERALD DANA PARKINSON It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Gerald Dana Parkinson. A beautiful soul, great friend and companion, and loving father, Gerry died peacefully on the morning of Saturday, April 21, 2012, surrounded by family and friends. Born in Montreal in 1947, Gerry grew up in Winnipeg. It was there that he raised his family and built a career. As a lawyer with Aikins MacAulay and Thorvaldson, he was known as a tough negotiator, a worthy adversary, and an amiable colleague. As a friend, his singular insight, wit, and consideration will be missed by many. To his family, he was the world's greatest dad, and a big kid at heart. Gerry fondly remembered his childhood summers at Pioneer Camp in Ontario, where one canoe trip was featured in Bill Mason's film Wilderness Treasure. In his youth he loved competition in all endeavors and excelled in every sport he tried, from football and basketball at Kelvin High School, to sculls and hockey at Dartmouth College. In his twenties and thirties he loved to spend many happy hours on the tennis courts with his good friends at the Canoe Club. Gerry never stopped learning. He was extremely well read in history and literature, and loved to pass on knowledge. He read every night and read quickly, usually with one eye on the Blue Jays or the Montreal Canadians. When he took on something new such as cooking, or coaching a new sport like soccer, he read and learned and practiced until he had mastered it, and he always followed through. If he said he was going to run a marathon, he ran ten. But above all, Gerry loved his kids and granddaughter. As busy as he was, they always felt as though he had an unlimited amount of time for them. He never missed a game, a concert, a recital, or even a practice. He took them all around the world to see the places that he had always wanted to visit, and he made summers and weekends special with visits to Bemidji and to the cottage the family built at Lac du Bonnet. He loved his kids exactly how they were, and was always proud of them. He was quietly involved in a wide variety of volunteer work, for his Community Centre, and for organizations like the Alzheimer Society, Meals on Wheels, Mount Carmel Clinic, Sharon Home, The Children's Home of Winnipeg, and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Gerald was predeceased by his parents, Dr. Dwight Parkinson and Elizabeth Haselden Parkinson. He is survived by his three brothers, Graeme, Terence, and Robert, his four children Andrew, Rebecca, Kara, and Chelsea, his granddaughter Aya, and his loving partner Cherry. Please join us for a reception to celebrate Gerry's life on Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. at Qualico Family Centre Park Café on Assiniboine Park Drive (at the duck pond across from the English Garden). In lieu of flowers, a donation in Gerry's memory may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba or the Winnipeg Humane Society. Skol Vikings, Go Jets Go, and Let's go Dad!
Publish Date: Apr 24, 2012
GERALD DANA PARKINSON It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Gerald Dana Parkinson. A beautiful soul, great friend and companion, and loving father, Gerry died peacefully on the morning of Saturday, April 21, 2012, surrounded by family and friends. Born in Montreal, Gerry grew up in Winnipeg. It was there that he raised his family and built a career. As a lawyer with Aikins MacAulay and Thorvaldson, he was known as a tough negotiator, a worthy adversary, and an amiable colleague. As a friend, his singular insight, wit, and consideration will be missed by many. To his family, he was the world's greatest dad, and a big kid at heart. Gerry fondly remembered his childhood summers at Pioneer Camp in Ontario, where one canoe trip was featured in Bill Mason's film Wilderness Treasure. In his youth he loved competition in all endeavors and excelled in every sport he tried, from football and basketball at Kelvin High School, to sculls and hockey at Dartmouth College. In his twenties and thirties he loved to spend many happy hours on the tennis courts with his good friends at the Canoe Club. Gerry never stopped learning. He was extremely well read in history and literature, and loved to pass on knowledge. He read every night and read quickly, usually with one eye on the Blue Jays or the Montreal Canadians. When he took on something new such as cooking, or coaching a new sport like soccer, he read and learned and practiced until he had mastered it, and he always followed through. If he said he was going to run a marathon, he ran ten. But above all, Gerry loved his kids and granddaughter. As busy as he was, they always felt as though he had an unlimited amount of time for them. He never missed a game, a concert, a recital, or even a practice. He took them all around the world to see the places that he had always wanted to visit, and he made summers and weekends special with visits to Bemidji and to the cottage the family built at Lac du Bonnet. He loved his kids exactly how they were, and was always proud of them. He was quietly involved in a wide variety of volunteer work, for his Community Centre, and for organizations like the Alzheimer's Society, Meals on Wheels, Mount Carmel Clinic, Sharon Home, The Children's Home of Winnipeg, and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Gerald was predeceased by his parents, Dr. Dwight Parkinson and Elizabeth Haselden Parkinson. He is survived by his three brothers, Graeme, Terence, and Robert, his four children Andrew, Rebecca, Kara, and Chelsea, his granddaughter Aya, and his loving partner Cherry. There will be a celebration of Gerry's life. Details to follow. Skol Vikings, Go Jets Go, and Let's go Dad!
Publish Date: Apr 24, 2012
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 24, 2012
Condolences & Memories (18 entries)
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I was an early friend with Gerry. I lived up on Waterloo at 193 and my Grandfather lived at 51 Waterloo. We moved away from Winnipeg in 1958 and moved to Vancouver. My Dad Bill Boivin was the GM of Blue Bombers. Gerry was a good friend for the few years that we lived in the same neighborhood. Sorry to hear that he passed away so early in life. - Posted by: Jim Boivin (Early friend ) on: Jul 15, 2024
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My deepest sympathies to Gerry's family. He was a wonderful, kind, sweet man who always had a smile for everyone. He will be greatly missed. He was genuinely one of the good guys. - Posted by: Elisa Meade (Former Employee at Aikins, MacAulay and Thorvaldson) on: May 08, 2012
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I first met Gerry as a rookie union rep. in the late 80's I heard he was a great lawyer one of the best. the first time an employer said Gerry was representing them in negotations I was terrified, but when I met Gerry he made me feel comortable and relaxed and treated me with respect, since that time i have negotiated numerous collective agreements with Gerry, when it came to money Gerry would say "I'm not the guy with the money". When it came to arbitrations of hearings at the MLB and Gerry was the lawyer for the employer I always knew it was going to be tough, and it always was. Gerry treated me with respect, and I learned so much from him, Gerry for that I will alwas be greatefull. When you were dealing with Gerry you could never garner a clue what he may have been thinking from his facial expressions. I often reffered to him as "Ice Man", which was true when he was in his roll as a lawyer but no as a person. I often biked down Wellington Crst. early in the morning and on many occasions I ran into Gerry with his dog, he would always take a few minutes to talk. I will alwas remember Gerry a great lawyer who alwas treated me with respect, and took time on those mornings to have a chat. I will miss Gerry he was truly one of the great lawyers. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. - Posted by: Jim Murphy (Union Representative) on: Apr 29, 2012
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Working with Gerry during conciliation meetings was memorable in my mind. He was always honorable, and was one to try and reach an agreement if at all possible. He is no doubt missed in Manitoba Labour Relations. - Posted by: Jim Murdock (Business Acquaintance) on: Apr 29, 2012
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My sincere condolences to Gerry's family and friends. I was involved professionally with Gerry for a number of years, he was the lawyer and I the witness, at times I thought I was working for him and learned a great deal when helping to prepare our case. I was always amazed at how quickly he could come up with the right question to ask at exactly the right time! I will miss you Gerry! - Posted by: Richard Thomas Lyons (Client) on: Apr 29, 2012
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Gerry was in our salon every few weeks or so for a trim. He was one of the nicest people I've ever met and his wit, charm and sense of humor was enjoyed by all of us! He will be fondly remembered. - Posted by: Lucy lewandoski (Hairstylist) on: Apr 28, 2012
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We first met Gerry in 1982 when we moved into 63 Niagra and enjoyed many lively conversations. His devotion to his children was obvious and genuine. Then we moved and he moved but we would run into each other and always enjoyed those meetings. We will miss him. Condolences to the family. - Posted by: Roy and Wendy Cook and Family (Friends) on: Apr 27, 2012
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As a union-side labour lawyer, I was often Gerry's adversary. He was always respected for his litigation skills. Less well known was his dry wit. During our last arbitration hearing, he made a comment that something was "just another brick in the wall." "I didn't realize that Mr. Parkinson was a Pink Floyd fan," I retorted. "Is that some kind of band?" he replied, with a subtle smile. Rest in peace, Gerry. - Posted by: Elliot Leven (colleague) on: Apr 25, 2012
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It was a shock for Sondra and I to hear of Gerald's sudden and untimely death. Gerald was a wonderful person that we've always held in high regard. We are pleased to have known him personally and will always remember him with fondness. Being so far away we will not be able to celebrate his life with you on Saturday but please know our thoughts will be with you. - Posted by: Sondra and Ed Bruni (Friends of the Parkinson family) on: Apr 25, 2012
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I trained with Gerald's father and owe him a great deal. I met Gerald at the memorial for his father and he was very pleasant and gracious towards me and all his father's trainees. Gerald was a very gentle and pleasant gentleman about whom I've always heard wonderful attributes. Please accept my condolences for his family. - Posted by: Arnold Zeal, MD (Trained with Gerald's father) on: Apr 25, 2012
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So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you. - Posted by: Chris Murash (Co-Worker of Cherry) on: Apr 25, 2012
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My thoughts are with you all. I remember how much he loved you kids. You were his world! - Posted by: Shannon van Leeuwen (Former employee at the Parkinson Home) on: Apr 25, 2012
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Offering my deepest condolences during this difficult time. - Posted by: Mike Babinsky (Winnipeg School Division Trustee) on: Apr 24, 2012
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Gerald was very gracious when I indicated that I never thought his father really ever cared too much about his residents. Gerald took the time to find one of his father's letters stating otherwise and sent me a copy. Gerald was a true gentleman and was very hospitable when we returned for the Dr. Parkinson's Memorial Lectureship. Our prayers go to the Parkinson family. Brian - Posted by: Brian and Barbara Hunt (former resident in training under Gerald's dad) on: Apr 24, 2012
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Please accept our sincere condolences. - Posted by: Robert and Marjorie Brosi (Neighbours from Lac du Bonnet (Grausdin Point)) on: Apr 23, 2012
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In our lives we meet all types of people. Gerry was one of those exceptional men that we can't afford to lose. Remember how he impacted our lives ... that is how we become better and pay tribute! - Posted by: Don Dufort (Friend & Business associate) on: Apr 23, 2012
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I truly enjoyed working with Gerry, he was one of the good ones. My thoughts go out to his family. - Posted by: Karen Turner (Former employee Aikins) on: Apr 23, 2012
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Lots of love, hugs and strength to you Becca & Andrew at such a difficult time in your lives. Our condolences to you and the Parkinson family. - Posted by: Karen & Marcel Desilets (friend of Becca) on: Apr 23, 2012