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
17 Responses
Dear John,
We are very sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. Our sincerest condolences
Ira, Matthias, Luca and Lara
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
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.
Kathy, Duncan and all of the family…I am so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Sending you love and prayers…
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
My sincere condolences to your family at this time. My thoughts and heart are with you.
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)
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
Sending our love and condolences to all the family from the Hosie’s.
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