PARKINSON; FREDRICK (RICK) JOHN
The family of Rick (Parky) Parkinson announces his passing with broken hearts. Rick was born in Maple Ridge, BC on December 15, 1962. He passed away on December 25, 2004 after spending Christmas morning with his family. Rick leaves his loving wife Sonya and precious boys Brett and Turner, his Nanna and golf mentor Mary Anderson, mom and dad Sharon & Doug Parkinson, mother-in-law Inge Bekken, loving sisters Marnie (Vince), Sue (Randy), Lori (Len), Crystal (Jarret), Patti (Phil), brother Morris (Tracey), his dad and step mom Gord & Barb Martin, brothers G.W., Chris (Jamie), sister-in-law Marian (Ken), brother-in-law Paul, many nieces and nephews, an extended family and many loving friends. Rick's Nanna taught him to golf in his early years and his love for the game remained throughout his life. He worked in the back shop at the Prince George Golf Club during his teen years. When he was 16 he met his life long love Sonya. After attending college in Prince George and university in Edmonton he became an assistant pro at Pitt Meadows Gold Club in 1985, moving on to head pro in 1991, the same year he and Sonya were married. Rick was serving VP of the BCPGA and was hosting a radio show on Radio 1130 known as Better Golf when he was diagnosed with cancer in 2001. The devastating effects of chemotherapy made it necessary for him to leave these positions and the golf career he so dearly loved. Rick's real strength when he became head pro was his ability to listen and empathize with people. Rick knew and cared for all his members; he exhibited a level of diplomacy and sincerity that eludes most of us. These were some of the things that made Rick special in many people's lives and for which he will always be remembered. Rick's family held a very special place for him. His boys Brett and Turner were all important. During the last two years of his life when he chose to stay at home with them and Sonya, he treasured everything they said and did. He was a caring, considerate man, very sensitive to the feelings and needs of others and appreciation for these qualities were shown by his many dear friends at a fund raising held for him at the Pitt Meadows Golf Club to help him with treatment in Germany. The many close and dear friends he gathered throughout his short life were wonderfully supportive throughout his illness and Rick was so appreciative of that.
Rick has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Rick Parkinson Jr Golf Fund care of the Pro Shop at Pitt Meadows Golf Club.
Celebration of Rick's life to be held at Pitt Meadows Golf Club, 1365 Harris Road, Pitt Meadows, BC V3Y 2R8 on Monday Jan 3, 2005 at 1:00 PM.