Obituary of G. William Parkin

The death of G. William (Bill) Parkin of Saint John, husband of Edna V. (Mills) Parkin, occurred on Thursday, March 13, 2008, at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Born at Escombe, England on June 18, 1920, he was the son of the late John and Edith (Hillary) Parkin. Bill came from England with his family in 1926 at the age of 5 and lived on the family farm in Mt. Hebron, NB. He became the organist at Mt. Hebron Church at the age of 14. He moved to Saint John in 1947 where he met his bride, Edna, to whom he was happily married for 6o years, having had their anniversary on December 20, 2007. Bill was employed with Mackay Forrest Products for 37 years until his retirement in 1985. He was a well known local piano tuner and organist in Saint John and Sussex Area. Bill loved his Lord and was a faithful former member of Full Gospel Assembly where he was the organist for approximately 40 years. He was very talented in various musical instruments, using his talent in bringing joy to Nursing Homes and other functions. Bill was a member of the Park Avenue Fiddlers. He was also a member of the Canadian Railway Historical Association and LOL #6, and Secretary of the Canadian Council of the Blind. Bill and Edna loved to entertain with family and friends. He was always a great neighbour and a wonderful friend to all, always willing to help wherever needed. Bill will be truly missed by all who knew him. In addition to his wife of 60 years, Bill is survived by one brother, J. Arthur Parkin (Edith) of Avonport, Nova Scotia; and by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Bill was predeceased by a sister, Annie Parkin, R.C.A.F., sister-in-law, Hazel Robichaud and brothers-in-law, Evans and Don Mills.. Resting at Brenan’s Select Community Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424) with visiting on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. The funeral service will be held Monday at 2:15 PM from Brenan’s Chapel. Interment will be in Kirk Hill Cemetery, Sussex, at a later date. For those who wish, remembrances to the Alzheimer Society or the Canadian Cancer society would be appreciated by the family. www.brenansfh.com