John Heathcote Parkinson

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits John Heathcote Parkinson who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, John was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with John knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

His parents were Amy and Edward Parkinson. John was raised in Gateshead, England. Even as a youngster, John learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

As a young boy, John was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. John was raised with 3 siblings. He had Ed, Barney and Frank. John had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For John, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

John's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, John enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. John took part in soccer and track & field.

John was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When John was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others grounded. He wasn’t afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to John came to expect his high standards of performance. Later in life, he became friends with all who knew him.

An objective and conscientious individual, John reveled in the security of his family. On June 17, 1967 John exchanged wedding vows with Eileen Trimble at the St. Clements Church of Cambridge, Ontario. One of John’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.

John was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. John would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. John was blessed with two children, Jeremy and David. They were also blessed with two grandchildren, Emma and Molly.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, John was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, John was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, John upheld his standards. His primary occupation was driver. He was employed for Shaver Poultry. John was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

John approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were cycling and car racing. John was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Playing by the rules was a natural thing for John to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. In high school, John played soccer and track field. Recreational sports included cycling. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were cycling and soccer.

Faith was important to John. He held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay he saw around him. For that reason he held deep spiritual beliefs that he was willing to share. He was a member St Gregory's RC Church for 40 years.

As someone who placed a high value on showing gratitude, John could graciously accept a “thank you” extended to him by those he helped. However, individual recognition wasn’t a motivating force for John; rather, when he saw that there was a need to get something done, he was more than willing to give his time and energy in order to see it accomplished. Some of his most prestigious awards included numerous cycling awards.

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, John used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. John had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included Austria and Australia.

When John’s retirement finally arrived in 1999, he was well prepared. He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. In retirement, he found new pleasure in cycling. In many ways, John loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

John passed away on May 19, 2012 at Cambridge Memorial Hospital, Cambridge. An eight month battle with cancer bravely fought. He is survived by his wife, two sons and two grandchildren. Services were held at St. Gregory's RC Church.

All who knew him would agree that John was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. John Heathcote Parkinson did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.

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Passed away peacefully at Cambridge Memorial Hospital on Saturday May 19, 2012 in his 75th year. Beloved husband of Eileen Trimble. Loving father of Jeremy (Caroline) of Cambridge, David (Melissa) of Hawkstone. Loving grandfather of Emma and Molly. Also survived by his brothers Edward (Sybil), Barney (Robin) and Frank (Margaret). John was born in England on May 6, 1938 and has lived in Cambridge since 1957. The family will receive friends at Coutts Funeral Home 96 St. Andrews St. Cambridge on Wednesday May 23, 2012 from 2-4 and 7-9 P. M. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Gregory’s R. C. Church , 10 St. Gregory’s Dr. Cambridge on Thursday May 24, 2012 at 11 A. M. Cremation to follow. As expressions of sympathy donations to Cambridge Memorial Hospital Foundation would be appreciated by the family