November 28, 1948 ~ August 23, 2022
Born in: Camden, New Jersey
Resided in:
Redondo Beach, California
Stephen Parkinson was born November 28, 1948 in Camden, New Jersey to Mrs. and Mrs. James Parkinson, and passed on August 23, 2022 in Redondo Beach, California. He is survived by his siblings: brother James Parkinson of Vista, California, sister Roberta and brothers Brian and Michael, all residing in Florida. He was preceded in death by his father and mother and an older brother, Joseph.
Stephen came to California in his early 30’s and had a prolific, 40-year career at Redondo Lodge #328 F&AM in Redondo Beach, California, serving as Master of the Lodge eight times, and as President of the Masonic Building Association for 25 years. During his career in Masonry, Stephen always exhibited the tenets of Freemasonry, such as making good men better and living by their rule and guide, The Holy Bible. He was also well-known for his knowledge and training in memory work. Throughout his life time, Stephen was honored and respected by his family and friends for his straightforward expression of truth and justice.
He was an accomplished pianist; Bach, Mozart and Liszt were his favorite composers. The sublime simplicity of Hank Williams’ and Johnny Cash’s music were favorites of his as well. He accumulated great knowledge of world history and Biblical principles; Stephen embraced the Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Services
Graveside Service: September 16, 2022 12:30 pm
Pacific Crest Cemetery
2701 182nd Street
Redondo Beach, CA 90278
I am grateful to have had my Dad and other men in my life as Father Figures; (I am grateful he and my Dad got to know each other, and that I got to meet his Dad.) However, Steve was unique among the men I’ve known in filling the role of Older Brother; he was 15 years older than me but we were close enough chronologically to have grown-up on the same planet. Our countless hour-long, “5-minute” conversations in the Lodge, kitchen, parking lot and on the phone were always filled with thoughtful observations and advice (with varying levels of intensity!). During the past few years, one of my favorite events was running errands with him on my off-Fridays to go grocery shopping and other places. It was another opportunity to have many meandering conversations on a multitude of topics.
At 4:30am on Sept 13, 2002 I was awakened with the epiphany “It’ll be OK.” and understood that I was saved. At one of many Kitchen Conversations with Steve and other Brothers when I was still a newbie in the Lodge, I piped-up, “I didn’t come here to be a Christian!” to which Steve retorted, “None of us did!” He continually pointed to the first Great Light of Masonry and its Zenith, the Lord Jesus Christ as The Light. Understanding light in the physical realm is one thing; understanding The Light in the spiritual realm is quite another. Steve pointed me the way to the Latter.
See you on the other side, Steve!
Missing you and Loving you, Steve.
Hello Lynn this is Antonio
Steven was always truthful and direct, his personality was always directed by the will of God, and as a fine a Mason as I have ever seen. He played the piano from memory without reading a note. I believe he will be surly missed, and if the hereafter has a Masonic Hall, you will find him there waiting to guide you into the next stated meeting and take your place among the brethren already there. He was loyal to his brothers within his Lodge #328, and of course Masonry. I say God Bless you Steven. When arrive there we can discuss about our journeys to get there.
Steve thanks for all that you taught me. You were a man of character and a class act I will never forget you. See you in heaven my friend.
I met Steve in 1986 at Razzmatazz Records & Video, where I was employed. He would walk down Catalina Avenue to the store to rent videos often. We developed a friendship that immediately started with God’s Word, the Bible. He gifted me a Lamsa Bible, and we spent hundreds of hours reading and studying God’s Word in his apartment. Steve became my spiritual father, guiding me through a thirty seven year friendship. Today I sadly learned of his passing through the internet after repeated unanswered calls to his telephone number. Steven I look forward to meeting you again in the New Heaven, here on Earth very soon. RIP my brother in Christ.