
Gerald Walter Parkinson, 81, peacefully passed away January 6, 2019, at his home in Lawrence, KS. He was a devoted husband, dad and granddad.
Gerry was born February 10, 1937 in Dewsbury, England, the son of Vernon and Kitty Parkinson. He attended Bradford Grammar School, earned a degree from Imperial College London, and served in the Royal Air Force. In 1966, he was recruited by Sikorsky Aircraft, in Connecticut, as an electrical engineer. He married Sandra Waterhouse on May 19, 1973 in Stratford, CT. He retired from Sikorsky after 31 years, and he and his family moved to Lawrence, KS.
Gerry was an avid bird watcher and also enjoyed playing golf, watching English soccer, listening to jazz, reading, traveling, taking his dog for walks, and meeting friends weekly at a local bar. His love of nature was evident from his participation in annual bird counts, maintenance of blue bird boxes at Clinton State Park, and help in rehabilitating wild animals. His kind spirit, intellect and sense of humor will always be remembered.
Gerry is survived by Sandra, his wife of 45 years; son Andrew (Vivian) Parkinson; daughter Sarah (Matt) Forshee; grandchildren Marlena, Kaitlyn and Parker; and sister-in-law Carole Rasmusson.
A celebration of Gerry’s life will be held at a later date at Smoky Hill Cemetery in Lindsborg, KS.
Best header o the ball I ever met.
Well, how many do ye know then ?
Two.
Aye, whos the ither yen ?
Cameron.
Oh, hes scottish, doesnae count!
Thats wot I said best header … mind you he’d moan a lot about useless wingers.
Ay,,, thats sad!
So sad to hear of Gerry passing. Like him I came to Sikorsky in the sixties. We worked, socialized and even retired together. He will be missed by all of his English friends.
So sad to hear of Gerry passing. Like him I came to Sikorsky in the sixties. We worked together and socialized together, and I think we even retired together. He will be missed by all of his English friends.
So sad to hear of Gerry passing. Like him I came to Sikorsky in the sixties. We worked together and socialized together. I think we even retired together. He will be missed by all of his English friends.
I am saddened that Gerry has left us. My time with him was at Sikorsky where he was my first supervisor when I started in 1981. An exciting time for the company, as Gerry and his contemporaries had successfully secured rate production of the Black Hawk Helicopter which embodied an advanced light weight electrical system architecture – brilliantly crafted by Gerry and the electrical engineers of that time. A respectful and considerate man with an exacting intellect that brought out the best in those who worked with him and at the same time always balanced with that great sense of English humor. I have missed Gerry as life moved on some twenty years ago, and I would think of him from time to time, as he was both a mentor and friend.
My deepest sympathy and sincerest condolences to Gerry’s family and loved ones.
Gerry was a great role model as a manager and as a gentleman. He was at once so very knowledgeable and “down to earth” in dealing with those of us who had the privilege of working with him. It was having him for a leader that helps to make memories of our years at Sikorsky such pleasant ones.
Deepest sympathy to you, Sandy and Sarah. I’ve often had fond memories of Gerry over the years since he retired. We met in 1970, when he hired me into the electrical group at Sikorsky. I soon realized he was the greatest role model an engineer could ever have…such a patient, practical, unassuming, and intelligent man. I thank my lucky stars to this day to have known and worked for him so long, and deeply mourn his passing.
My sincerest condolences to the Parkinson family. Gerry was my Boss for many years at Sikorsky and he was a marvelous and intelligent individual to work for. [ He never approved of my archaeological fiiling System (i.e. piles of Folders on top of my desk) yet he was always amazed that I could find anything he ever asked from me. He was a good man and will be missed by many.
Roy and Susan send Sandy, Andrew and Sarah our condolences over Gerry’s passing. He was my mentor, boss and friend. We shared memories of our British heritage with the Goon show, Monty Python and Beyond our Ken memories. Gerry directed me to do great things in Sikorsky, much beyond that which I had dreamed. A great man and inspiration to us one and all. May a helicopter fly over you. Rest In Peace. What a loss.
Sandy & family, We are sorry to hear the news of Gerry. Our sincere condolences to you all . With fond memories. Richard & Christine Norris. (California).
Condolences to the entire family. May the sadness which you experience now be comforted by great fond memories. May the loyal love of Almighty God be with you all. Warm Christian Love
Sarah I am so sorry for the loss of your father and send my deepest condolences to you and your family. I pray God’s peace in the days, weeks, and years ahead. Your Target training buddy Anthony.