I met Dave when I began working for the Public Works Department , Transportation Division in 1989 just before the birth of my son though I actually started with the City in 1982. (My son passed away at age 32 on April 16, 2022.) Dave and I became close co-workers quickly. He was always available, accommodating and provided great  advice or assistance. He was very intelligent and had a great sense of humor, plus had a great way with words! I lost contact with him when he left the City which was my loss. I always respected him greatly and know his passing is still a great loss for all that knew him. It is hard to believe that it has been 4 years already. May God bless him and his family and friends. 
Thomas Capell


I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR OF DAVIDS PASSING, I REALLY DIDNT FIND OUT UNTIL JUST NOW. I WORKED WITH AND FOR DAVE THE WHOLE TIME I WORKED AT FLEET. HE WAS NOT ONLY MANAGMENT BUT HE WAS ALSO A FRIEND. HE KEPT ME OUT OF SOME SCRAPES WHEN HE DIDNT HAVE TO AND I WILL ALWAYS BE GREATFUL THAT HE ALWAYS HAD FAITH IN ME. HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED BY ME. MY HEART GOES OUT TO HIS FAMILY. ONE OF THE TRULY GREAT PERSONS I HAVE EVER MET.

I came to work at the City of Tampa in  1986; not too long after David was promoted to Public Works Deputy Director.  In fact, his promotion  created the vacancy down the line that gave me the opportunity to come to the City. Right away, he was welcoming and a great support as I transitioned from the private sector.  While we had no official mentor/mentee relationship, he became my go to person for professional advice and dealing with difficult situations. I know I wasn’t the only one who sought him out, but for over two decades he certainly was an encouragement and a rich source of wise advice.  I learned much from both his counsel and his example with others.  I am saddened to hear of his passing and offer my condolences to the family.

I worked for the City of Tampa during most of the same period of time that Dave worked there.  In 1989 the Mayor asked me to transfer from another city department and become the Director of the Public Works Department when Dave was the Deputy Director.  At that time the Public Works Department had several divisions providing totally different services to the public and to other city departments.  I had a limited knowledge of what each division did and how it did it.  Dave immediately made me feel welcome and was very very helpful in helping me learn the "ins and outs" of the DPW.  Dave was a smart, intelligent problem solver.  He worked well with others and his professionalism and demeanor were always something I admired.  He was the best.  He was very pleased when he and his wife were blessed with births of their son and daughter and he was a proud father when talking about their accomplishments as they were growing up.  I worked for the City for almost 32 years and I can say I never heard anything but compliments and praise for Dave's work, his conduct, and how he related to everyone.

I am heartsick to read of Dave's passing. He was one of the highlights of my short time working in marketing for Zoo Tampa.  Dave's passion for the animals and photography showed in every image he shared. Without his contributions, the Zoo would be a less appreciated place.  And I loved learning about his bee keeping and gourmet cooking! God Bless you Dave Parkinson!

I was a fellow docent with Dave at Lowry Park Zoo.  I remember the day he told me he was thinking of getting a good camera at the tune of $1000.00.  He was a little wary of the price but bought his first  camera anyway..  We often talked about that first camera.  His pictures became better and better all of which he shared with the zoo and all of us, and we shared them across the country!    He was a beautiful human being, always sharing information about the animals  and the zoo.  He knew them all by name, ages, and health status.  It was a great pleasure to serve the zoo with him.  I know he is at peace now!


I live in the UK and did not know Dave personally but over the last few months became acquainted with his beautiful photography through one of his many friends. Through his photographs you can clearly see that he had a deep affection for all the animals at Tampa Zoo and they will probably miss him as much as his friends. I do know him to be generous too, allowing his photos to be used on another site (non-profit) to promote animal awareness which is where I initially came across his work. He gained quite a following there.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends and may God give them strength at this sad time.

The world is a sadder place with Dave’s passing.  He was a true friend to his fellow docents and to all the animals at the zoo.  May his memory be a blessing and may he Rest In Peace.

I met David at New  World brewery where so many fond memories were forged. Meeting David was a charm, a kind heart and and easy personality. You can always measure a man by the values he instills in his children. Although, David has left this world, he leaves it a better place with Clay and Dana.

Some people leave imprints on our hearts. Dave was one of those people. A wonderful zoo ambassador, his photos brought a glimpse of Lowry Park Zoo animals to both locals and people throughout the United States. Donne once said “No man is an island unto himself.” Each life impacts others in ways often unknown. Dave impacted mine in the beauty of his photographs, the kindness of his spirit and the gentleness of his soul. His was a life well-lived and well-loved.

When I first started at ZooTampa 4 years ago as a souviner photographer, I remember always seeing Dave around with his awesome camera and lenses - As an aspiring photographer myself, I would ask him for tips and he would show me images he had taken and give great advice. I always appreciated the passion he had for photography and looked up to him as a mentor. Dave was a wonderful, kind person with such great talent - His passion, dedication and amazing photos have certainly left a mark on ZooTampa. 

As a fellow docent and camera buff,  I was saddened to learn of Dave's untimely death.  Though he certainly was a very talented photographer, what I will remember most was his pleasant and generous personality. His love of the animals at the Zoo shone through his photos.   He will be missed.

May fond memories of your father bring your family comfort during this hard time in your life. Look back on all the good memories you were able to have and smile at the fact that you were able to share these before he passed away. My heart go out to your family.  


Dave was a wonderful man, a wonderful docent, and a phenomenal photographer.  He opened his heart and his photo gallery to everyone who asked, never asking a thing in return. Some of my favorite times at the zoo were spent learning photography tips from him and hearing about his amazing animal encounters. I will miss his kindness and his smile always. My deepest condolences to his beautiful children. Your father will live on forever through his photography and your memories.

Words can not express how sad I am to hear of Dave's passing.  He was an important member of my ZooTampa family and his photos brought me so much joy.  Over the years as I transitioned out of the day to day running of the animals department, I had less time to view the animals.  Dave's photos were often the highlight of my day and he always captured the coolest things through his lens.  Dave was always there to celebrate our new animal births and document their developmental milestones.  He was also there to support us when we lost a special animal.   When our baby chimpanzee Keeva passed,  him and I shed some tears together and I know he loved her as much as I did.  He later gave me a zip drive with all the photos he ever took of her.  I am so grateful to have it and even more so now.  Dave was a wonderful person and I will truly miss him.  The world will not be the same without him and his beautiful photos.     Love Lee Ann

OBITUARY

David Lee Parkinson

July 21, 1952 – June 27, 2018

Blount & Curry Life Event Center

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