Garth Earl Parkinson

“I was born, I lived, I died”

Written by Garth

Now for the other side:

Quietly in the early morning hours dad started his day. Only this day he was being warmly greeted by his wife and 2 of his children as he passed on to the other side and left us behind to continue without him.

Garth was born to Earl and Emma Parkinson on March 29, 1932, in Logan, UT.  He was the second of three children.  Dad loved growing up in Cache Valley. He regaled us many times of his adventures he had with his much-loved cousins and friends.  He was a very curious and busy child and young man.  The family doctor was surprised to see Garth make it into his adulthood as he was very mischievous - constantly seeking medical help for him or his friends.

Garth was a strong young man and took over the family farm at age 15 when his father passed away.  He took his responsibility to his mother very seriously and did what needed to be done to provide for her and his siblings.

Garth left home at 17 and joined the Navy during the Korean conflict.  He not only served in the Navy, but also was assigned to branches of the Army.  Garth served with honor, but never spoke of it because it caused him so much pain to relive those events.

Upon his return he sought out a beautiful girl, Charlotte Munns of Elwood, UT, whom he had met before enlisting in the Navy and convinced her to marry him first in Las Vegas and then again in the Logan LDS temple.

Shortly after their marriage, they welcomed a beautiful son to their family, then added two daughters and then finished with two boys.

They made their home in Brigham City near the new high school.  They made their home a place to see with a beautiful, manicured yard that they were known for in Brigham, often winning the award for the most beautiful yard numerous times. 

He spent countless hours creating intricate water systems for the yard – his children and grandchildren loved playing in the irrigation water that flooded the lower yard and gardens.  He was also a rockhound and taught Charlotte to love them too!  Their famous rock collection now graces the yards of his children and grandchildren – from Amalga to Provo. 

Garth left High School early for military service but did return in later years to receive his diploma. He was a brilliant man developing innovative items and processes – in fact we believe he may have the record for performing the longest viable is transplant – the barbie still moves like a teenager.  (He repaired his daughter’s barbie doll leg after one (Scott) of the boys pulled it off.)

He never feared hard work and taught his children this trait too.  He worked for Fife Rock, Union Pacific, Thiokol, etc., until he finally landed at Hill Air Force Base and rose in the ranks to become the manager of the Directorates Office on the Base.

He and Charlotte loved to travel with their trailer and view the sights along the way.  He was not one to stay long.  He once ‘drove by’  Mt. Rushmore and asked Char how she liked it to which she stated – “Garth, go into the park, get out of the car because we are actually stopping to see it or . . .”  He also once drove two hours to see his grandchildren, but when he arrived, they were still in school and then told Charlotte they would be leaving in 20 minutes before the kids came home.  He did not win that battle either.

After retirement, Garth took up wood carving and flies for fishing. He continued refinishing furniture and tending to his beloved yard.

It was difficult for Garth since Charlotte’s passing almost 11 years ago, but he was blessed with his Kathy.  She came to be dad’s beloved “girlfriend”.  She and Garth were a great pair and did so many things together to fill the loneliness they each felt after their respective mates passed. Kathy was an amazing companion who loved Garth and took such tender care of him.  

Being a good neighbor was important to Garth, but he never wanted anyone’s attention for his deeds of service. It was often that the things he chose to do for others were only known by those closest to him, sometimes only his family. But he always gave freely and with compassion to others, even when they wouldn’t know.

Before Dad died, he told us to offer only this as his obituary “He was born, he lived, he died”. He wasn’t one for fluff, so He’d likely be angry at us for saying all that we have . . . So instead of flowers or gifts go and do something like he would have done -- something kind and SECRET, to honor a life well lived.  Then sit on the back porch and watch the sunset with your loved ones and enjoy a milkshake – strawberry was his favorite.

Dad loved his family – all of us – 5 children (3 surviving and their spouses), 19 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, 1 adored sister, and his priceless Kathy and dear friend Michael B.

He requested a SHORT graveside service with military honors. Please join us on Friday, September 22, 2023 at 9:30 am, for a viewing at Myers home in Brigham City followed by a graveside service at 11:00 am in the Brigham City Cemetery.

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