Kenneth Parkinson

Ken (Kenny) Parkinson (81) passed away September 11, 2024 of Lewy Body Dementia, a cruel disease, which he battled for many years and endured well to the end. He was born Jan 12, 1943 to Harold J. Ambler and Doris Harbertson Ambler in Ogden, Utah. When Kenny was a young child, his parents divorced and his mother later married Lee K. Parkinson who raised and adopted him as his own.
Kenny attended Weber High School where he played varsity basketball for 2 years and reluctantly moved to Bonneville High School his senior year becoming part of the first graduating class of 1961. He served a faithful and fruitful mission in Scotland for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and drew from that experience the rest of his life.
Kenny met his sweetheart, Carol Peterson, at a "get acquainted" dance at Weber State 60 years ago this month. Little did he know at that time that he was getting acquainted with his future eternal companion. They were married and sealed in the Salt Lake temple on November 12, 1965 and were blessed with 5 children, 21 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren.
Kenny had a variety of employment opportunities beginning as a newlywed, including climbing telephone poles and installing phones in spite of his fear of heights. He later did drafting, dispatching, and eventually owned and operated Parkinson Art Studio, a custom picture framing business which he bought from his father, for nearly 20 years. He worked in Las Vegas for his brother Kevin for a short time as a paint contractor, followed by 17 years as a sales rep with Coast Distribution in the RV and marine industry upon returning to Ogden.
Kenny had strong faith. He loved the Lord and his family more than anything else and his greatest desire was and is to be with them eternally. Serving the Lord and those around him was an important part of his life. He had the opportunity to serve in three bishoprics, including as bishop of the Washington Terrace 9th ward, and in a variety of other capacities. He had a particular love of the temple where he served as an ordinance worker with his wife Carol for many years. He lovingly cared for his parents in their difficult final years of life. Regardless of where or whom he served, he did so without any desire or expectation of praise or thanks.
Kenny loved basketball and softball and played on some exceptional church and city league teams for many years with some of his closest friends. He also loved spending his Mondays boating and waterskiing with his family from spring to fall. Their favorite family vacations were at Lake Powell with neighborhood friends and relatives.
Kenny had a love for cars from early childhood and completed several restorations over the years. He loved transforming something beat up and worn into something beautiful. It was easy and exciting for him to see the potential in a rusted out '55, '56, or '57 Chevy Bel Air. Restoring cars also provided valuable bonding experiences with his sons. His boys didn't always have the fastest Pine Wood Derby cars but man were they the best looking.
Kenny had boundless energy and was always industrious. He liked having a project whether it was building, creating, fixing, or working in the yard. He was a talented artist and craftsman.
Kenny is survived by his wife Carol and their children: Kim (Dan) Call, Jedd (Lisa), Bard (Tiffany), Shane (Shelly), & Robb (Krisie). Surviving siblings are Larry Parkinson, Susan Parkinson, Pauleen Hone, Jan (Roger) Palmer, and Kevin (Collette) Parkinson, along with several brothers and sisters-in-law who were like siblings to him. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandson Eric Call, brother Dave, and sister Kay.
A viewing will be held at Leavitt's Mortuary, 836 36th Street in Ogden, from 6:00 – 8:00pm on Friday, September 13.
Funeral services will be held Saturday at 11:00am at the Pleasant Valley 3rd ward building of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 5640 S 850 E in South Ogden with a viewing from 10:00 – 10:45am prior to the funeral.
Interment at Leavitt's Aultorest memorial Park.