Gordy Charles Parkhurst

Parkhurst, Gordy C. was born on November 6, 1945 in Minneapolis, MN. He passed away on November 9, 2018 at the age of 73 at his apartment in Minneapolis. When he was 2 years old Gordy was committed to a state hospital after he became deaf from an illness. The family thought he also became developmentally disabled and they couldn't accommodate him. Gordy was held in the institution for 39 years where he experienced unimaginable abuses. He couldn't hear; he couldn't speak. The first half of his life was a silent storm of confusion and pain. In the 1980's Elizabeth (Liz) Carlson visited the state hospital on a mission of goodwill. There she met Gordy and Gordy met his savior. Through Liz, Gordy was eventually discharged from the hospital and began living in a group home. He continued to live in group homes or with assisted living services for the rest of his life. Gordy was taught American Sign Language so that he was finally able to communicate with others and learn about himself and the real world. He learned he was one-half Oneida Indian and later established ties to that community by attending pow wows and by decorating his apartment with Native American decorations. Gordy touched the lives of everyone he met. After all the abuses he suffered during the first half of his life the person he matured into was truly remarkable. He was always curious. He loved a good joke and to be silly. He loved to tease his friends and the many attendants who cared for him over the years. He loved the Minnesota Vikings and attended training camp in Mankato almost every year with the care attendants who doted on him. He loved action movies, fancy coffees, kittens, hugs, shopping and ANYTHING purple! In addition to his friend Liz Carlson, Gordy is survived by Kent Rizner who became Gordy's primary care provider for the last 30 years of Gordy's life. They were like brothers and Gordy even went fishing and ice fishing with Kent for many years. Gordy loved to drive the boat! Celebration of Life on Friday, November 16 at Hillside Chapel, 2610-19th Avenue NE, Minneapolis. Visitation at 10:00 am; service at 11:00 am; interment immediately after and lunch following. Please wear purple or Vikings insignia as Gordy did every day. If you wish to make gesture of remembrance, in lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Metro Deaf School in St. Paul at contactus@mdsmn.org or 651-224-3995. Washburn-McReavy.com Hillside Chapel 612-781-1999

Tributes

Gordy Charles Parkhurst

November 6, 1945 - November 9, 2018

Tributes

Gordy Charles Parkhurst

November 6, 1945 - November 9, 2018

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