It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Thomson Low Parkinson, age 84, on Thursday, December 28, 2017. John, or to his Highland family, Iain, was born in Aberdeen Scotland on April 2, 1933 to Alice and John Parkinson. He enjoyed a happy and active childhood filled with interests in Cadets, gliding, cycling, and Family. He graduated from Aberdeen Grammar School and then as an Engineer from the University of Aberdeen with a post-grad in London. Working at Parkinson’s, John found himself in the lovely Highland village of Helmsdale where he met his best pal and love of his life, Betty MacKintosh. John and Betty were married 2 years later, and have been inseparable ever since.
A significant figure in so many lives, John was an Aberdeen City Councillor, Burgess of Aberdeen City and past Master of the Hammermen Incorporated Trades and grew his firm to become a large successful enterprise.
John enjoyed his later years in Victoria, BC, Canada. He was always a devoted Family man with four fine bairns: Kathleen, Morag, Aileen and John. He was a father figure to his nieces, Catherine and Helen MacKay. The sons and daughter-in-law were warmly welcomed to the family – Duncan, Nicky, Jack, and Scott. John loved his grandchildren Ruaridh, Calum, Chris, and Olwyn. He always made time to encourage, support, teach, love and play with his Family. Many wonderful times together full of Love, Life, and Laughter.
John’s Faith was always important to him. He ran Sunday School, youth groups, and was a stalwart fundraiser for the Presbyterian Church in Scotland and in Canada. His Faith carried him throughout his life.
John will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by many.
A heartfelt thank you for the loving care and gentle staff of the AICU and 7B South of the Victoria General Hospital and for their care and support to John and his family.
A Funeral Service and reception marking John’s life will be held at 1 pm on Tuesday, January 2nd, 2018 in the Sequoia Center at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC. A private family interment will follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the local BC Cancer Agency, 2410 Lee Avenue, Victoria, BC V8R 6V5 or the Heart and Stroke Foundation donorinfo@heartandstroke.ca would be greatly appreciated.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Rob Heppell
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David Barss To all the Parkinson family,
Please except our sincere condolences on the passing of John. He was such a lovely man and always greeted folks with a big smile and firm handshake! His sincerity and devotion to his family and faith are among his many endearing qualities. He raised a wonderful family with a wonderful woman, and will certainly be missed.
Sincerely,
Qing, Isaac and David Barss
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Frank Pocock My thoughts are with you all. I have treasured memories of John back in the Aberdeen days and I was lucky enough to ” catch up” with Jhn & Betty on Canada a few years ago.
God Bless you all
Frank
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Fiona Thomson (Brooker) Thinking of you all at this sad time. I have such fond memories of the times we shared in Aberdeen. xx
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Stephanie and Ron Marsden Ron and I are deeply saddened to learn of Mr. Parkinson’s passing. We know he was a beloved husband, father and grandfather and we were honoured to have met him and known him through our dear friend Morag. Sending our deepest condolences and love to all the family and hoping your wonderful memories of him will help to sustain you at this difficult time! xoxo
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The Gates family ❤️ We are so sorry about your loss.
Thinking of you and your family in these difficult times.
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Sonya Hudson Morag,
Nathalie and I send our deepest condolences for the loss of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during the difficult time.
With love,
Sonya and Nathalie Hudson
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Ira Hoffecker Dear John,
We are very sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. Our sincerest condolences
Ira, Matthias, Luca and Lara
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Dylan Paterson Dear Duncan & Kathy, I am so sorry Kathy to hear about the passing your father. I remember meeting him when we visited you guys in Victoria. He was a wonderful man and you all loved him so very much. Sending my love and prayers to you at this time of your loss. Love your cousin, Dylan Paterson
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Mary McColl So sad and sorry that John has gone from among us. He will be sorely missed by so many. My life was the better for having him as a friend. My prayers are with you Betty, and the family too.
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Kate Brennan-Smith Kathy, Duncan and all of the family…I am so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Sending you love and prayers…
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Connie Phelan John and Betty provided a warm, loving family for their children and grandchildren. They welcomed those of us who met them with the same warmth. My families’ thoughts are sent to theirs. We will remember John as a kind thoughtful man.
Our love to you all.
Connie, Stephanie and Katie
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Janet McElroy My sincere condolences to your family at this time. My thoughts and heart are with you.
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Margaret Trainer My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Such a wonderful man who made an imprint on the heart of everyone he met.
Much love
Margaret xx
(Edinburgh)
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Stephanie Coghlan I am deeply saddened by the news of Cousin John passing. I was born on John’s 20th birthday and consequently we always knew our ages as he reminded me recently. I recall sitting on my father’s knee on the occasion of John’s marriage to Betty and it was a pleasure to attend the celebration of their Diamond Anniversary in May 2016. Various family gatherings brought Uncle Stephen, Aunt Zoe and I to Aberdeen where I was welcome to join their busy family. After about thirty years overseas I was reunited with John and his family and the years rolled away. Thank you John for your love, loyalty and support. I will treasure the memories, with much love and sympathy to Betty and all your family, Stephanie, Rex and family xx
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Natalie Sending our love and condolences to all the family from the Hosie’s.
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Catherine Bruce LAIRG SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS My beloved Uncle Ian. I love you with all my heart. You were always there for me since I was a little girl until the angles took you away. I will never ever forget you. You will be in my heart . Love you always my beloved Uncle I Ian. Xxxx ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️C
Dear Betty, Kathleen, Morag, Aileen and John.
I was so sorry to hear about John’s passing. He was a true Christian gentleman.
I feel lucky to have been able to work with and learn from him on the Church Session and transitioning the Roll Clerk position from him to me.
He always carried a positive demeanor and wore a warm smile.
A fond (yet somewhat uncomfortable) memory about John was when I was presenting the Announcements from the pulpit one Sunday morning. I was younger, somewhat nervous but had my notes carefully laid out.
I had to call up John for a special announcement. He too brought his own notes, presented them to the congregation and then gathered all of his papers – and mine too – and returned to his seat with Betty.
As I stared at the empty lectern and abbreviated what remaining announcements I could remember, I glanced over at John, having a shocked look on his face – followed by a nothing-we-can-do-about-it-now chuckle with all papers in hand. Afterwards he apologized for the mishap but we both had a good laugh about it.
When a similar situation presented itself in the future, I deliberately removed my notes as John ascended the pulpit – we locked eyes and silently shared our private memory in front of the entire congregation.
Thank you for your guidance, patience and friendship John!
Sincerely,
Rob Heppell