William Gerald Parkin

Bill Parkin, age 90, of New Brighton went to be with his Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, on February 22, 2024, after a long battle with dementia and Parkinson's disease. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Joan; children, Carol (Tom) Glader, Dave (Kris) Parkin, Linda Parkin; grandchildren, Katie Glader (fiancé Nick Koelz), Becky (Caleb) Anderson, Kelsey Parkin (fiancé Sam Johnson), Daniel Parkin; great-grandchild Zeke Anderson; sister Sandy (Ken) Smith; many nieces and nephews. Bill was born in Minneapolis to Russell and Marion (Meifert) Parkin. He was saved at the age of 12 at Midwest Bible Camp. He graduated from Edison High School in 1951. One year after high school, during the Korean War, he enlisted in the Marines and was stationed in Japan. He was a hydraulic mechanic on C-119's, and as crew chief, he delivered troops and supplies to Korea. As a child, Bill attended Northeast Gospel Chapel, where he met Joan Upton when they were four years old. After he returned from the service, he and Joan started dating. They were married on June 9, 1956. Three children and four houses later, they bought a lot in New Brighton where he built their house in 1964, and there they raised their kids. He was employed by Northwestern Bell for 31 years, starting out as a telephone installer and retiring as a forecast engineer. He continued his commitment to the military for over 27 years where he was involved in the Marine Reserves, the Navy Reserves and then the Air National Guard. Bill wasn't ready to retire though, he spent a number of years volunteering in the New Brighton Police Reserves, followed by the Ramsey County Sheriff's Lake and Trail Patrol. Bill enjoyed sports, starting with tennis at Edison High School and followed by summers playing on the telephone company softball teams. He enjoyed fishing and especially hunting. He went on yearly hunting trips with his good friend Ken Manning, starting when they were young. He enjoyed traveling. He and Joan went on a number of vacations over the years. Some of the highlights of their travels were trips to Germany, Hawaii, two cruises, and of course, the yearly trips to Koronis Bible Camp. His most recent trip was the Honor Flight for veterans to Washington, DC in 2019 with Ken Smith. He was always quick to help out wherever he was. He knew how to fix all kinds of things and willingly used his skills to help others. He was active in the construction of and work at Sunnyside Bible Chapel for many years. He spent many hours with his boat at the waterski dock at Koronis Bible Camp so campers could learn to ski. At church he jumped in and helped wherever he could, from building projects to ushering and making coffee at GracePoint in later years. Memorials preferred to GracePoint Church. Link to view the service: https://youtube.com/live/VQ6auuOeXwY?feature=share

Tributes

William Gerald Parkin

August 26, 1933 - February 22, 2024

Tributes

William Gerald Parkin

August 26, 1933 - February 22, 2024

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