JOHN DONAL PARKINSON

I found out John was a relative of mine after researching the family tree and I was sad to hear of his passing. I would have loved to hear his stories and heard him play.

I was missing John and it had been a while since we had spoken, so I did a search and just found his obit. I´m heartbroken to learn of his passing. He was an incredible talent and a wonderful friend. I loved singing with him nightly at STAR and when he would tell me stories of his expansive musical career. Usually his stories were ballet related, but once he mentioned playing for Ella Fitzgerald and I was in awe. He will be dearly missed.

John's was a talent and interest that went well beyond piano performance and the written music itself. He was a well-rounded artist with an active interest in all aspects of the theatrical arts, including acting, choreography and directing. His talent and knowledge were immense, his artistic opinion and criticism both refreshingly brutal and fair. Combining all this with a self-effacing sense of humor was virtually a John Parkinson trademark. I'll miss our long telephone conversations.

I loved singing with you at the piano. Throwing together the occasional impromptu cabaret was our specialty. And when you were in the audience for not one or two, but three of the shows in which I performed, I was thrilled. To say that I will miss you is an understatement. You were a gift to us. I suppose you're still playing the piano, but for a ballet I will never get to see. I'm so glad I got to say good bye before you left.