Lensford “Parkie” Parkin, 77, passed away on November 18, 2023, in Amherst, Ohio. Lensford was born on October 16, 1946, in Axe and Adze in Hanover, Jamaica, to Joseph and Iris Parkin. He departed peacefully, surrounded by his friends, family, and loved ones.

During his time in Jamaica, Lensford worked at NIG Garage and Ajax Airlines. After immigrating to the United States in the 1980’s, he found home away from home in Cleveland, Ohio. Here, he worked at Menorah Park Nursing Home for 26 years and 6 months before he willfully retired. Always described as a dedicated hard worker, Lensford was the epitome of grit and determination.

Lensford led a life marked by laughter, compassion, and sincerity. He was the type of person who would do anything for those he loved, and they would do anything for him. They always felt his love through his words and actions. He would spend hours talking to his friends, siblings, and children, reminding them of his gentleness, kindness, and beautiful soul. Distance was no issue to him as he was always a phone call and airplane ride away. He often made regular trips to Jamaica to enjoy soul-soothing reunions with those he loved dearly.

One of the most notable showcases of love was through his cooking. Crafting delicious dishes for his friends and family was among the many activities that brought him tremendous joy. If you ever walked into his house and smelled the hearty richness of slow-cooked cow foot and sizzling brown-stew fish and chicken, you knew you were going to have a meal that would make you feel loved and warm. During his earlier years, when he was looking to destress, you could find him with his friends at Mr. Martin’s bar on Barnett Street. Cheering for the Cleveland Browns, as well as playing dominoes and pool with family and friends were his victories. These were tastes of triumph in the midst of good-natured competition, something he absolutely reveled in.

Lensford’s impact on his friends and family is everlasting. His generous and tender spirit filled those around him with immense love and adoration. Towards his end, many traveled near and far to say their last goodbyes. This is not only a testament to the number of hearts that he touched during his time on Earth, but also how much he was admired and cherished by many.

Lensford Parkin is predeceased by his parents, Joseph, and Iris Parkin; his son, Frank “Roger” Parkin; and his sister, Ruthlyn Parker. He is survived by six children (Alecia “Tina” Vanier, Avia Parkins, Garette “Gary” Parkin, Ingrid Parkins, Robina “Tessa” Parkin, and Sygmond “Ziggy” Parkin), son-in law Gavin Vanier, daughter-in law Sashoy Parkin, eight grandchildren (Clifford Parkin, Gregory Parkin, Kirk Parkin, Kyle Parkin, Latonia “Latty” Parkin, Payton Parkin, Ragesha Parkin, Sebastian Parkin, and Taylor Marshall), six siblings (Cythia Vinns, Exford “Hardy” Parkin, Geraldine “Ger” Parkins, Howard “Alva” Parkin, James Parkin, and Simeon

Parkin), and an abundance of friends, nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren, who will continue to honor his memory.

The family would like to express their gratitude for the support and condolences received during this difficult time. To all, please cherish his radiance, his joy, his benevolence, and his love as these are the touchstones that will fill our hearts, reassuring us that he remains a constant presence among us. Take comfort and find happiness in the privilege of knowing him. He will be remembered with deep fondness and greatly missed. May he rest in peace and triumph.