Jonathan Parkinson passed away on November 18, 2022 at the age of 92. He was born in West Hartlepool, England, on April 23, 1930. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Durham University in England, and a Master’s Degree from the University of Michigan. He moved to Mercer Island in 1965 to take a job as a Boeing Engineer, and retired from Boeing in 1995.

Jon was an outgoing, gregarious man with a terrific sense of humor. He had a knack for meeting new people and making them feel welcome in any situation. He was passionate about social justice and making the world a better place for his fellow man. He was a fierce advocate in the civil rights movement while living in Detroit, as well as earning “Volunteer of the Year” honors from the Boeing Company for his tireless work with Habitat for Humanity, where he served as President of the Seattle Chapter for several years in the early days of the organization.

He was active in the Mercer Island Community, coaching youth soccer teams and even facilitated starting a Mercer Island High School team before soccer became a recognized letter sport. He was a longtime member of the Emmanuel Episcopal Church family, serving on the vestry, as usher, as well as the social action committee.

Jon loved to sing and play the piano with family and friends, he was also a very avid golfer, and played in various leagues. Jon also traveled the world, and on his visits to Africa on behalf of Boeing, enjoyed learning about and collecting African art and carvings. In addition to the Sounders, Jon was avid sports fan of all Seattle sports teams.

Jon is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years Mollie, as well as his 3 sons, Jonathan (Susan),

Stephen (Benly) and Matthew (Paige) Parkinson, and daughter Julie (Kit) Wheeler. In addition, Jon leaves behind 10 grandchildren, Stephanie, Shannon, Claire, Andre, Kathryn, Jeffrey, Mollie, Noelle, Ty and Campbell.

There will be a memorial service to celebrate his life at Emmanuel Episcopal Church at 10 a.m. on Monday, December 19, 2022. All are welcome. There will also be a zoom link for the service for those who would like to participate but are unable to attend in person.