George Chandler Parkinson

1987 - 2014

1987 ~ 2014
Salt Lake City, UT-It would start with a chortle, then bubble up with a giggle and then break out into a larger-than-life belly laugh. And it would fill the room.
Our beloved son, brother and friend George Chandler Parkinson passed away peacefully in his sleep early on Wednesday, November 12, 2014. He was 27 years old.
George was born in Los Angeles, California, on July 25, 1987, where he spent his weekends dodging the waves at Venice Beach, riding the horses at Griffith Park and exploring at the Huntington Botanical Gardens. At the age of four, George moved with his family to Salt Lake City, Utah, where he attended Wasatch Elementary and Bryant Jr. High School, forging dear friendships that lasted until the end of his life. He graduated from West High School in 2005 and went on to earn a B.F.A. in Visual Arts from Brigham Young University in 2009. Realizing that he found more inspiration in Vogue magazines than in his art history texts, George returned to L.A. for a graduate certificate in Fashion Design from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in 2011. For the last three years, George was a well-known freelance artist and fashion designer, lending his incredible artistic and visual gifts to parties, photography shoots and weddings throughout the Salt Lake Area. He was also a valued member of the Lush team at City Creek, a job that left him fulfilled and happy.
George was renowned for his artistic passion and brilliance. He overflowed with creative talent and threw his efforts behind several projects in which he excelled: painting, jewelry design, fashion design, cooking, baking and anything he could make with his deft and capable hands. George was also an extraordinary musician. His gorgeous baritone voice conveyed depth of emotion that few could match. To hear him sing was to hear his soul fly.
Most importantly, George had a big heart. He had an immense capacity to love people of all kinds and they loved him back. He poured his heart and soul into handmade, customized gifts and carefully selected presents, and for a lucky few, first-class parties and events. George had the remarkable ability to fill any room with his presence, his transcendent singing voice and his infectious laugh. This is what his friends and family will miss most of all.
A celebration of George's life will be held on Monday, November 17, 2014, at the Federal Heights Ward Chapel (1300 East Fairfax Road, Salt Lake City, Utah) 84103 at 12:00 p.m. The family will be receiving visitors before the service between 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. at the same location. An open house honoring George's memory will be held on Sunday, November 16, 2014, at the Beesley family home: 1492 E. Kristianna Circle, Salt Lake City, UT 84103 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
George is survived by his grandmother, Elayne Bright Clark; his parents, Brett and Kelly Clark Parkinson; his siblings, Clifford Parkinson and his wife Megan Blodgett Parkinson, Gretta Parkinson Whalen and her husband Robert Whalen, and Amelia Parkinson; and his nephew Samuel Bright Parkinson. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends that feel like family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Odyssey House (odysseyhouse.org) or Animal Aid (animalaid.org.uk).
Condolences may be sent at www.garnerfuneral.com