Dr. John Mitchell Park

Dr. John Mitchell PARK Born 4 June 1924 Tiensin, China Died 16 July 2004 Edmonds, Washington Dr. John Mitchell Park was born in China where his father, William Park, was a Branch Manager for the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank. After boarding school in Edinburgh and medical school in Aberdeen, Scotland, John spent two Army years in Palestine. Newly discharged from the military, John looked for a way to expand his horizons and found just the challenge when a job offer in Hong Kong arrived by mail. From that time on, Dr. Park never missed a chance to learn new things and to follow his interests. He was a physician and anesthetist who wanted to help, provide guidance and answers. His often brusque manner covered a genuine concern for the welfare not only of his patients but also his friends. Not content to be a doctor only, he cultivated interests in golf, fly fishing, sailing, travel, photography, music and Scottish dance. He was a past Chieftain of the St. Andrew's Society in Hong Kong. Representing Hong Kong as a yachtsman in the Tokyo Olympics in 1964 and again in Mexico in 1968 was one of his happiest achievements. He was very proud to represent his home to the world in a sport he loved. John's yachting interests extended beyond his own competitive sailing to become in international judge and referee through the International Yacht Racing Association. When John moved to Seattle in 1992, his desire was to continue all his interests and perhaps find more. He enjoyed the Pacific Northwest and took full advantage of the clean air, many fishing places and golf courses. He traveled extensively and brought a bit of Scotland to Seattle with Burns Night speeches and bagpipe music. He also volunteered in the Family Law CASA and the Partnership for Youth Justice programs run by King County, serving as well on their advisory Board. Dr. Park also did some volunteer work for and was a great supporter of the Neurofibromatosis Foundation in Lynnwood. John was very involved with the Edmonds Unitarian Universalist Church taking on the role of contacting and arranging for speakers at the church. A memorial tribute will be held at the church in the near future. Ill health in the past two years prevented John from pursuing many of his interest but he made good use of the internet to keep in touch with his friends around the world. He passed away in his sleep on 16 July 2004 at the age of 80. Dr. Park is survived by his daughter Dorothy, sons Duncan and Bruce, three grandchildren and a sister.