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Obituary: John Parkinson

Wed, 05/05/2021 - 22:19

The Directors of Glentoran Football Club were deeply saddened to hear of the passing this afternoon of lifelong Glenman and former Club Chairman, John Parkinson.

John was a long-standing active member of the Glentoran Supporters Committee (1923), the oldest Glentoran Supporters Club and long-time producers of the Glentoran Gazette. 1923 Chairman Jimmy Carter kindly submitted this obituary on behalf of his friends in the club. All these sentiments and warm memories are shared by all who knew John at all levels within Glentoran.

“It was with much regret and great sadness that the members of the Glentoran Supporters Committee (1923) learned today of the sudden passing of our former member and Chairman, John Parkinson. 

A long-time employee of Short Brothers, John had been a member of the 1923 from the 1970s, holding many positions before becoming 1923 Chairman in the late 1980s.

A born and bred Glenman, John married Helen, daughter of long standing 1923 member and programme seller, Reggie Clarke. Glentoran was very much in his blood.

In 1996 John stepped down as 1923 Chairman and within two years he was proud to be made a director of Glentoran Football Club. A working man who was very much one of us while on the board, John loved to be doing " his bit" for the club he loved.

By 2002, his hard work behind the scenes was fully rewarded when he was selected as Glentoran Chairman. Over the next 4 years, John worked so hard as Chairman, continuing to maintain the links between the board and the fans.

Away from football, John loved nothing better than to watch a John Wayne movie and in particular The Quiet Man, which was his personal favourite. So apt a choice when you think of John.

At this time we send our love and condolences to John's wife Helen, daughter Joanne, son Ian and the Parkinson family circle. We assure them that they will be in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time.

Glentoran and the Oval will be a lesser place for his passing. Rest easy John, your work is done”.

John as Chairman of Glentoran at the end of the triple trophy winning season of 2002-2003when Roy Coyle's  Glens won the League Championship, League Cup and County Antrim Shield