Jarrad Wendell Parkin of Amherst, son of Bruce and Georgianna Parkin, passed away Saturday January 27, 2018. Jarrad struggled with chronic pain and numerous ailments for the past 7 years. His story is far too common these days- doctors tried to manage his pain with prescription drugs but, when the health care system denied or limited those drugs, Jarrad turned to other means to manage the pain. His pain is over now.

Born February 11, 1975 at Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Jarrad spent his youth in Shutesbury where he relished the peace and tranquility of the woods, streams and Lake Wyola. He loved to fish and collected innumerable lures and other fishing gear. He combined his love of woodworking and fishing, refurbishing his great, great grandfather’s fly rod, his most prized possession. He always looked forward to family vacations at Sebago Lake in Maine because of its wonderful fishing. He was constantly tinkering with his remote controlled cars and various woodworking projects. Jarrad proved himself to be an accomplished cook, taking great pleasure in preparing feasts for the family. He enjoyed photography and, combined with his computer skills, often created his own birthday and special occasion cards. He had a love of music and in the past few years took up playing the guitar.

A 1993 graduate of Amherst Regional High School, he went on to get his Associates Degree from Stockbridge School of Agriculture at UMass/Amherst. He interned and worked at Hickory Ridge Country Club in Amherst for several years. He followed that up with a budding career as a supervisor with a local landscaping company. However, after several accidents, Jarrad was diagnosed with degenerative discs in his neck and vertebrae, causing excruciating pain. Steroid injections led to extreme weight gain, exacerbating his asthma and heart problems. A steady increase in pain medications led to a continuing downward spiral.

Besides his parents in Shutesbury, Jarrad leaves behind his grandmother Sophie Rajter of Amherst and his grandmother Bertha Parkin of Northborough, MA. His aunts Deborah Tymkowiche (So. Deerfield) and Susan Hart (Northampton) and aunt Joanna and uncle Steve Bickford (Marlboro MA) will miss his warm smile, friendly banter and holiday cooking. His 7 cousins will also miss him dearly, especially at holiday times.

Bruce and Georgianna would like to thank Charlie Nakajima for being there for Jarrad whenever needed. Charlie provided countless trips to the emergency room and doctors’ appointments on a daily basis. Charlie was Jarrad’s rock and dearest friend. They’d also like to thank the local and state police for their professionalism and kindness under the most trying of times.

 A CELEBRATION OF JARRAD’S LIFE WILL BE HELD ON JUNE 16, 2018 AT HICORY RIDGE COUNTRY CLUB FROM 11:00 AM TO 3:00 PM.