Bad news today. I learned that a pal died. His name was Erne Parkin, and he was a mensch.
I met him around 2003 when I was working for a production company in Glasgow. He was a frequent client and during my time there we hit it off pretty well. When I went freelance he practically supported me, and we became very good friends. All my other clients would come up with a few jobs and then I’d hear nothing for months. Erne, however, had a steady stream of work (which I guess he depended on too), and though there weren’t mega-bucks, it was fair and it was steady. Were it not for him, I might have ended up back in a call centre.
I was also pleased to get him work when I could. When the fledgling Cage had a corporate job that needed a director, we’d bring him in. He was great at presenting ideas to the suits and getting them enthusiastic enough to leave us alone while we made it, while keeping us in check, making sure we delivered what he’d made them expect. One video in particular made such a hugely popular splash at one corporation that I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s still being shown to this day. That was thanks to Erne.
He was also one of those guys that always had some art cooking. The folk band he fronted recorded and played live frequently; he had a script for a multi-part TV serial about Robert Burns ready to go; and he was surrounded with memorobilia from shoots he directed and produced. As I hung out with him, I often thought that he was something of a role model. I’d think that if I got into my sixties being as creative and vital as him, I’d be doing very well.
Latterly, I hadn’t seen much of him but I was still very aware of his presence. I’d arrive at STV to do an edit, and the project open on the Avid was obviously one of his. “He was just here.” It seems that I ‘just missed’ Erne for the last year or so, but he was always around.
Well, not any more. He was young enough that his death was unexpected. When I got off the phone to the mutual friend who broke it to me, I told my wife, and she got it right immediately. “At least lived his life well,” she said, “and was spared the long, slow demise [we’ve both seen members of our family suffer].”
Everyone who knew Erne liked him enormously, and a lot of folk knew him. He did live a good life. He had a great family whom he supported doing things he loved, and doing them well. Even now, he’s a good model.
If I can do as well, I’ll be happy.
Kenny, I just stumbled on your blog whils’t looking for some stuff. Just to say many thanks for your good and kind words about Uncle Erne. It’s a reminder about the wider world that he affected in such a positive way and the marks that he left.
Good luck buddy!
Andrew
Glad you didn’t mind me writing about him. I couldn’t make the funeral, so I wanted to do something.
He was one of the greats.
Hi
Just wanted to add to what my brother said about our Uncle Erne he inspired so many people and you could never feel down when you were around him. He was a big part of the family, but we do have our memories of the times we shared with him and with these we will keep him alive in our hearts. Thank you again for your kind words.
Caroline
I found this site through a random Google of past work colleagues. Taking a ‘were are they now’, trip down memory lane. Erne created all the artwork for Loudoun Castle during (and after) my time there in 2000. Our paths crossed again in later years each June at Milngavie Gala. A very sad loss as I’ve very fond memories of our time and work together. Can’t quite believe it. My sincerest sympathy to his family. A lovely man.
Your observations on Erne chime in perfect harmony with my own. I became his regular bass player when the Healys re-formed to gig for charity, and it was soon clear that I would spend the following years enjoying the company of perhaps the most creative, outgoing, positive and generous person I’d ever met.
He had commitment, energy, drive and vision in shedloads. He was silver-tongued and golden-voiced, a skilled songwriter and storyteller, a gifted landscape and wildlife painter, a man of the people who enriched the lives of all who knew him and those of many more who would never meet him. A mensch for certain; a ‘one-off’ whose presence has made the world a better place.
I am privileged to have known him well, and to call him my friend.
Joe W
Couldn’t agree more, Joe. Still miss him.