JOHN E. (JACK) PARKIN

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JOHN E. (JACK) PARKIN March 11, 1924 - January 5, 2015 Passed away peacefully at Eagle Ridge Hospital in Coquitlam, BC at the age of 90 years. We were all so very fortunate that he was able to join all of his family for one last get together and wonderful Christmas dinner at home. He gave a beautiful prayer and toast to his family and thanking God for the extra 70 years he was given since that twist of fate on the battlefield where he was seriously wounded December 27, 1944 in Italy. He made the most of those 70 years. Born and raised in London, England he learned the trade of carpentry through his father's business with his brothers. He served in the British army during the Second World War and fought in North Africa and Italy from 1943 to 1944, one of the D-day dodgers. In 1951 his family all immigrated to Canada where they settled in Winnipeg and he met Joyce, the love of his life and wife of 56 years. They had a successful construction business and raised three sons, enjoying every summer at the family cottage in Minaki, Ontario. Moving to Vancouver in 1979 he worked a few years as a maintenance carpenter before retiring and happily spending his remaining years at their home in Coquitlam enjoying family visits and friends at their condominium coffee parties. His optimism, good humour and wisdom will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Predeceased by his parents long ago and his sister Joan in March 2014. Survived by his brothers Reg (Bea), Bill (Mary); wife Joyce; three sons John (Laurie), Jeff, Fletcher (Jenny), and grandsons John Christopher and Neil.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 24, 2015