Martin C. Parkins Newton, MA Martin C. Parkins, 52, died April 9th. Born on June 2, 1958 he was the eldest son of Richard and Katherine (Talbot) Parkins and sibling to Andrew J. Parkins (deceased) and Thomas R. Parkins of Manchester, MA. Growing up in Kalamazoo, MI, Martin was a member of the Loy Norrix High School swimming team and excelled in academics. After graduating from Loy Norrix he went on to earn his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University in 1980. Martin continued his excellence in academic studies by later completing a Master of Arts in Religion from Yale Divinity School, an MBA from the Wharton School of Business, a Masters in Special Education from Hunter College in New York and was about to complete his studies at the Graduate School of Social Work at Boston College in Newton, Massachusetts. Martin dedicated his life to helping others in need and was responsible for many innovative and progress programs in the area of social work. Martin spent a great deal of time assisting refugees and immigrants, inner city children, troubled teenage boys, Veterans with disabilities and other neglected and marginalized people within his reach. Martin also used his business training to assist his brother Tom in establishing the investment advisory firm, Chartpoint Financial Group, Hamilton, MA. Martin loved a good laugh and always tried to combat sadness and the darker side of humanity with his humor. He had limitless love for his two nieces and a profound respect and fondness for his sister-in-law Linda (McCall) Parkins and her family. He also leaves behind innumerable friends and colleagues that will miss him very much. Visitation will be held on April 16th at 9:30a.m. with services to follow immediately at 10:30 at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home, 105 Capital Avenue NE, Battle Creek, MI 49017. A memorial service will also be held at Boston College in Newton MA, and is tentatively scheduled for April 28th between 12:30 and 2:00. Martin had a great respect and admiration for the work that is done for troubled teenage boys at the Penikese Island School. Donations may be made in his honor to the Penikese Island School, Inc., P.O. Box 161, 565 Woods Hole Road, Woods Hole, MA 02543 (www.penikese.org). Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.