Raymond Bramwell Parkinson, 71, returned to his Father in Heaven on March 31, 2001 at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center due to complications following surgery.
Raymond was born on March 16, 1930 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Raymond Charles and Zilpha Viola Parkinson. During the depression, he lived in Salina and Fillmore while his father worked with the Civilian Conservation Corps.
After returning to Salt Lake City, Raymond graduated from East High School in 1948 and attended BYU for a year before serving an LDS mission to Mexico and Central America. Upon returning he enrolled at the University of Utah and earned his bachelor's degree and a Masters degree in History. During this time he was also a member of the ROTC.
He was sealed to his eternal companion, Karen Jane Froyd, on April 12, 1957 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.
Raymond served in the United States Air Force, attaining the rank of Captain. He briefly taught history at Olympus High School, and then embarked on a career as a manager for the Social Security Administration. He retired from the Provo SSA office in 1994 after nearly 35 years of service.
Raymond is survived by his wife; Karen, five children; Chandler (JoAnn)
Parkinson of Boise, ID, Anne (Richard) Harris of Kingwood, TX, Jennifer (Eric) Keith of Orem, Sarah (Todd) Horsley of Pleasant Grove, Sam (Kristina) Parkinson of Orem, and 21 grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and his only brother, Clyde.
Raymond always put the Lord and his family first in his life. He had a strong conviction of the gospel and served in many church capacities including Bishop (twice), High Councilman, Elder's Quorum President, Sunday School President, Young Men's President, Ward Clerk, and most recently, the High Priest Group Leader in the Edgemont 11th Ward.
In 1997, Raymond and Karen served a mission to Hannibal, Missouri and Nauvoo, Illinois. He especially loved giving tours in Nauvoo and teaching visitors about the temple. At the time of his death, he was serving as an ordinance worker in the Provo Temple.
He enjoyed serving in the community and recently acted as chairman of the
board for the Eldred Center in Provo. He was an avid fisherman and also
loved history, reading, and photography. Over the years, many of his photos appeared in the Daily Herald.
Raymond will forever be remembered for his compassion and concern for everyone he met. All who knew him considered him a true friend. He was a very kind, patient, honest and loving man and a great example of living a Christ-like life. Most of all, he was a dedicated and loving father and grandfather.
Funeral services will be held on Wed, Apr 4, 2001 at 11 a.m. in Provo, UT, at the Edgemont 11th Ward chapel, 3050 Mojave Ln. Friends may call on Tues evening from 6-8 p.m. at Berg Mortuary, 185 E Center Street, Provo or on Wed morning from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the ward chapel. Interment will be at East Lawn Memorial Cemetery. We will miss you, Grandpa.