Ernest "Ernie" Wilford Parkin

Every once in a while someone comes along that touches every single life they come in contact with. Ernie Parkin was just such a person. Whether it was his contagious laugh, his never-ending supply of jokes, his witty sense of humor, or his willingness to help anyone in need, Ernie left a mark on every person he came in contact with.



Ernie passed away June 21, 2011, at UVRMC. Ernie was born to Ernest Parkin and Naomi Pulsipher Parkin on November 7, 1947. He was raised and attended school in the Springville/Mapleton area. When he was young, he joined the Army and served in Vietnam. He married Patrice Carter and had 2 daughters. They were later divorced.



Ernie was a fabulous father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He was an amazing mechanic and owned and operated a shop in Springville from the time he returned from Vietnam until his death. He also worked at Geneva Steel until the plant closed down.



Ernie's life was blessed with 4 grandchildren who were his pride and joy. He was always quick to show off his granddaughter Mackenzie's talents and had many video clips of her dancing or playing the piano and would show them to anyone who would watch. He loved to take Porter and Carter camping or to his favorite eating place, the T-Bone Cafe, and was so happy when their little sister Jayda came along. His legacy will surely live on with his grandchildren.



Ernie was a member of the Springville Rotary Club and was a loyal friend to many people. Ernie was a pilot and loved to fly his own plane. He took many people on airplane rides, and for anyone who went with him, the flight was always unforgettable. Because of his mechanical ability and his magnetic, fun-loving personality, many young people idolized Ernie, and he served as a mentor and taught many boys how to fix a car, but mostly instilled in them character, integrity and a zest for life. He was a scout leader and a member of the LDS Church.



He is survived by 2 daughters: Melissa (Michael) Allred, Jeanie (Chad) Kimber; 4 grandchildren: Mackenzie Allred, Porter, Carter and Jayda Kimber; his girlfriend Dori Peterson; 3 sisters: Carol (Gary) Perkins, Maurine Canto and Cathy Deveraux. He was preceded in death by his mother and father; and 3 brothers: Keith Pulsipher, Billy Pulsipher, and Johnny Parkin.



A special thanks to the excellent doctors and nurses in the UVRMC Neuro Shock Trauma Unit.



Memorial services will be held Saturday, June 25, 2011 at 11 a.m. in the Spring Creek 6th Ward Chapel at 860 E. 200 N., Springville. There will be a viewing held at Wheeler Mortuary, 211 E. 200 S., Springville on Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. and at the church on Saturday, one hour prior to the services. Interment will be in the Springville Evergreen Cemetery.