Dr. G. Gordon
Parkinson Jr.
Erskine Professor Emeritus G. Gordon Parkinson Dies At 95
Dr. G. Gordon Parkinson Jr., a member of the Erskine College Class of 1930 who served his alma mater as English professor, chemistry and physics professor and dean, died Thursday at the age of 95.
Parkinson, a native of Due West and a former missionary, was professor emeritus of chemistry and physics, a member of both the Athletic Hall of Fame and the Academic Hall of Fame at Erskine and the recipient of the Alumni Distinguished Service Award and an honorary doctorate at Erskine.
Described in the 1930 Erskine Arrow as "quiet, unassuming, dependable, earnest, brilliant, popular and unselfish," Parkinson played three sports, served as editor of the campus newspaper, and earned a double major in chemistry and English at Erskine. He was named "Most Outstanding in Academics and Sports" and served as valedictory speaker at his class commencement.
Parkinson served from 1932-35 as a missionary teacher in Egypt. In 1935, while preparing for postgraduate work, he taught and coached at Erskine and was dean of men at College Home. He entered Columbia University in 1936 and earned the M.S. in chemistry in 1938 and the Ph.D. in 1940. He married Isabel Simpson, whom he met while they were both teaching in Egypt, in 1937, and their three daughters, Mary Jenkins, Sara Bigham and Ruth Smith, are all Erskine alumnae. Isabel Parkinson died Feb. 20, 2003.
During World War II, Parkinson divided his time between research at the National Defense Research Commission in Pittsburgh, Penn., and teaching in the Cadet program at Erskine. The Parkinsons returned to Egypt from 1946-51, where he taught at Assiut College.
In 1951, Parkinson rejoined the Erskine faculty as professor of physics and chemistry. He became dean of men in 1952 and served in that position until 1968. He became head of the department of chemistry in 1967, serving until his retirement in 1974.
A loyal and active alumnus, Parkinson served as treasurer for the Synod Campaign, which laid the groundwork for the Living Endowment and other development programs.
Parkinson served on Due West Town Council and as an elder in the Due West Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. He was longtime chairman of the board of directors of the Due West Retirement Center helped acquire the grant from the ARP Church that made possible the opening of the center.
Upon the occasion of his retirement, Parkinson was praised for his Christian character and described as a man for whom "faithfulness to God is first of all."
Harris Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, in the Parkinson Lounge of the Due West Retirement Center. The funeral service will be at 2 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 23, at the Due West Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
