LAMOINE – William Henry Parkinson, 87, often called “Parky” or “Bill,” passed on with love and family at his side May 17, 2013. Bill was born April 29,1926, in Fall River, Mass., son of William Henry and Ida (Savard) Parkinson.
As the only son surrounded by six sisters Bill found himself outnumbered so many times in his early childhood years! William attended Allen School of Aeronautics in Rhode Island where he received his machinist degree. He served in the U.S. Navy, April 24, 1944 until June 23, 1946, as an aircraft mechanic. Bill received the Victory Metal during World War II. After the Navy, Bill began a rewarding career with Pratt & Whitney, East Hartford, Conn., where he began working as a machinist and later became a tool designer in the Experimental Engineering Design Division. Bill’s other careers included a business creating wrought iron railings, neighborhood mechanic and Finish carpenter. Many family, friends, co-workers and neighbors would come to Bill to ask his advice or help with a building project, mechanical problem and so many other things. Bill’s garage was well known for always having the proper tool and his knowledge to get the job done! His creative and unique ideas became masterpieces in wood, stone or whatever materials he may have needed. Bill had a very special way of always knowing how to fix something no matter what it was. Many friends and neighbors will remember Bill’s “Flo-Jon” miniature village that he took so much pride in building miniature replicas of homes and places he remembered. The tiny twinkling lights in the evening made the magical village come alive to so many children and adults! Bill was a member of Disabled Vets and American Legion and attended the Baptist Church of Lamoine.
He was predeceased by his parents and sisters; Ruth, Muriel, Dorothy, Ethel and Lillian. Bill leaves sister, Nancy Chakey of South Carolina behind. Bill was happily married to Marilyn (Rosebrook) Parkinson for 65 wonderful years. Bill and Marilyn lived in Connecticut for many years where he shared in the joy of raising five children; son, William and friend, Kathy, of Lamoine; daughter, Marilyn and husband. Roger Thrall, of Canton, Conn.; son, Donald and wife, Pam, of Coventry, Conn.; daughter, Joanne and friend, John, of Lamoine; and daughter, Debra and husband, Ed Zatursky, of Killingworth, Conn. Although Bill had physical problems with his heart he never had problems with sharing the love in his heart. All of his children, grandchildren and great-children held very special places in his heart and soul. Bill’s 11 grandchildren were all near and dear to his heart in so many ways. He leaves much love for Jennifer, Lindsay, Jeremy Parkinson, Jessica and Ashley Thrall, Alycia, Matthew and Adam Parkinson, Kristy Rosa, Caitlyn and Emily Zatursky; and eight great-grandchildren, Demitri, Traevon, Aneya, Aden, Noah, Orlando, Sierra, Mason and another one expected soon. Bill leaves behind his beloved Maine Coon cat, Sasquatch “Sassy” who often thought he was Bill’s puppy dog following in Bill’s footsteps and always keeping an eye on him.
A gathering to share memories with family will be held 10 a.m. June 8, at East Lamoine Cemetery with a reception immediately afterward at the log cabin home that Bill designed and all family helped to build. Gifts of memory should be sent in Bill’s name to Disabled Veterans of America, DAV, P.O. Box 1535, Bangor, ME 04402 or Hospice Volunteers of Hancock County, 14 McKenzie Ave., Ellsworth, ME 04605. Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth. Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.
William Henry Parkinson
