Mr Parkin started with Howarth Timber as a trainee in July 1975 and swiftly progressed through the ranks, becoming branch manager firstly at Dewsbury and then Wakefield, as well as British buyer for the group. He was well schooled by Peter Howarth, who was the source of a number of his famous sayings – always strive for the “proper price” and “a sale isn’t a sale until it’s paid for”. Very old school in the best way and very commercial.
Timing is everything and when in 1998 John Gordon & Son was looking to develop its sales into the north of England, Mr Parkin was available, having parted company with Howarth Timber. So started a very successful 16-year working association that saw Mr Parkin play a significant part in the company’s growth, through developing and expanding its customer base. He was a real timber man and took great pride in being described as a genuine trader. His knowledge of merchanting was second to none.
Being a proud Yorkshireman, Mr Parkin loved his cricket and as well as being an excellent cricketer, he was an accomplished and well respected umpire for many years. He kept quiet about his footballing prowess, but it was no great surprise to discover his home town Facebook page describe him as a “brilliant goalkeeper – remarkably saving three penalties in one match!”
He tackled his illness with customary grit and dogged determination.
He will always be remembered in the north of Scotland with a great respect and enormous affection and more widely by those who knew him throughout the timber trade.
Mr Parkin is survived by his wife Diane and daughters Becky and Rachel.
The funeral will take place on Monday April 3 at 12.40pm at Wakefield Crematorium WF4 3JA.
