24/10/2026
This week we said goodbye to a true gentleman Ken Parkinson.
Members of staff, volunteers, veterans and friends all attended Ken’s funeral which celebrated Ken’s life.
The team at EDVT first met Ken while doing a bag pack fundraiser in ASDA Seaham, that day we spoke about Ken being a Royal Marine and how he didn’t see himself as a veteran.
Ken started coming into the veterans hub in Seaham and soon became a regular attending numerous parts of our services. Ken built up a great rapport with our staff, notably with Kim who encouraged Ken to attend the art hub where he found a passion for drawing and art. He went on to make his own didgeridoo in the wood carving group, Ken asked every person to carve a little from it including the Commanding Officer from 4 regt RA during a visit. Ken also enjoyed our walking group as well as the allotment.
During his illness we worked closely with Ken, he came in one day on his bike and wasn’t feeling great so Bonnie followed him home on her bike to make sure he got home safe, these little things meant the world to Ken.
With Netflix filming Sunderland till I die at the veterans hub Ken came in and took up centre stage, a true character who simply got one with everyone. One thing we will always remember Ken for is the love of his cats and his true passion for his motor bike.
Ken was a true character and will be sorely missed by so many at East Durham Veterans Trust.
Rest Easy Royal, your stag is done
RIP Brother ❤️
