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It was with great sadness that we learned of the death of the Very Revd. John Parkinson, Chaplain of St. Christopher’s (1983 – 1989) and first Provost of the Cathedral (1986 – 1989). John died on Sunday 14^th December aged 73.

It is proposed to hold a memorial to John and commemorate his life during the 6 p.m. service on Sunday 18^th January in the Cathedral. There are still some people in Bahrain who remember John and his ministry here with affection along with his wife Joan. If you have memories of John which you can contribute to that service then please contact the Dean.

We give thanks for John’s life and ministry and pray for Joan his wife and the family. Click here to read more about him......

A letter of thanks

Joan and the family have been overwhelmed by the number of letters, card, and messages that we have received following John's death. We have felt surrounded by by love, and upheld by the knowledge that God is holding us in the hollow of His hand.

We thank you all for everything you have done for John, and everything you have done, and are doing, for us.

His funeral service was a celebration, and our thanks and appreciation go to Jerry Bird and Colin Evans for this; and to George, Ernest, and the Choir, for singing so beautifully and making such wonderful music.

John touched many people's lives and will be missed so much by me, his family, and our many friends.

With our love

Joan,
Cathering and Iain, Rachel and Gary, Sarah and Mark, Simon and Kate,
and our seven beloved grandchildren

The following is an account received by the webmaster from Ann and Philip Melhuish who attended John's funeral service in Dawlish in December together with Michael & Jean Rawlinson, Chris Russell, Norman & Margaret Wilkinson and the Rev'd Michael & Ann Boultbee, all former residents of Bahrain

The Parish Church of St. Gregory the Great in Dawlish is a lovely old church with a beautiful square spire set in fairly substantial grounds in the residential area. It was a blustery day, but luckily the rain held off, and in fact during the service the sun came out and shone through the stained glass windows.

Joan gave the address, and spoke of their life together in various places including Bahrain of course! She spoke of the close and devoted family they have, and all the many attributes John possessed and how he was an inspirational priest who lived life to the full. It was an excellent eulogy and we thought it very brave of her to speak at such a sad time. We then had the hymn "Dear Lord and Father of Mankind". This was followed by a reading from Psalm 139, read by Simon (we think). The vicar gave a short sermon, and then there was another hymn "Thine for ever! God of Love". Daughter Sarah read out a poem, and then prayers were said, and the final hymn was "Jerusalem". A wonderful rousing hymn which we felt was absolutely perfect for John. After the Prayer of Commendation, the choir sang "O Holy Night" which was very moving. The church was absolutely packed, and we all crowded into the narthex above the western entrance for refreshments in true Parkinson style! There was a wonderful view looking down the aisle to the beautiful eastern stained glass window.

Donations received from those who wish to remember John's life and service in a tangible way, will be equally divided between the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf and his Parish Church of St. Gregory the Great.

Donations may be sent to:
6 Priory Gardens
Dawlish
S. Devon, EX7 9JN
U.K.