Taps
Parker Marching Band Solo
Chantel Tonkinson
123w
More to come
We will continue to add more info, but it was time to get these put out so people know who he is and how much he was loved.
We choose to celebrate and honor Parker’s life this way.
Parker James Tonkinson
August 2, 2002 – October 12, 2023
Lived 21 years
North Platte Cemetery · North Platte, NE
"As long as I can I will look at this world for both of us. As long as I can I will laugh with the birds, I will sing with the flowers, I will pray to the stars, for both of us." Sascha
Life story
Parker left this life suddenly and unexpectedly, leaving behind so many who grieve him every day. His parents, Nick and Chantel hoped and prayed for, Parker, their first of four boys. They were overjoyed to become his mom and dad. His three brothers, although they didn’t always see eye to eye, looked up to him and saw a forever best friend in him. His spoiled and needy cat Oakley, cuddles his family daily now looked for him for weeks. He had an immense number of friends who he impacted in individual ways who also were impacted by his tragic loss.
He implanted seeds of joy, hope and confidence in every one he came in contact with despite what we now know he struggled with internally. Please know that no matter how dark the day gets, there is always a dawn. Stay.
By: Allie Marie Smith
What if I told you not to leave?
What if I told you that you would get through this?
That you are stronger than you think you are.
What if I told you this world is not better off without you in it?
But that it is more beautiful because you are here.
What if I told you there are good gifts waiting for you on the other side of this darkness.
That you will smile again.
What if I told you that this is not your fault?
That there is help and hope is alive.
What if I told you we need you to stay?
That you are loved more than you can comprehend and there is a good plan unfolding for your life.
What if I told you one day your pain can be transformed into purpose?
If I told you these things, would you please stay?
What if I told you I was that girl who almost left too soon?
What if I told you I discovered good gifts on the other side of the darkness?
Would you believe there is hope for you too?
I know you feel alone and hopeless, but hope is alive and available to you. You are not alone in your thoughts or in your pain. Many others, like me, have been where you are and have endured hard days to find joy and purpose again. If you are struggling with thoughts of ending your life, please tell someone immediately.
This world needs you to stay.
Photos
Videos
Lifetime
The world Parker knew
Family milestones in gold, history for context
2002
Born August 2
2005
Parker was 3 when the first video was posted to YouTube
2009
Parker was 7 when Captain Sully safely landed a jetliner on the Hudson River
2010
Parker was 8 when Apple's iPad went on sale
2015
Parker was 13 when "Hamilton" opened on Broadway
2020
2020 North Platte High School
2022
Parker was 20 when ChatGPT was released to the public
2023
Passed away October 12, age 21
Tributes and memories
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Chantel Tonkinson
123w
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