Bill Parkes | 1944-2023
William A. Parkes (“Bill”), 79, of Cincinnati, Ohio, died Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at Hospice of Cincinnati after a short illness. Bill was born on July 14, 1944, to the late Robert and Amelia (Mueller) Parkes of Holland, Michigan. He is survived by his brother Robert W. (Sue) Parkes; his niece, Barbara Parkes of Westerville, Ohio; and his nephew, Bill (Cathy) Parkes of Carlsbad, California.
Bill grew up in Holland, Michigan. As a teenager, he enjoyed frequent trips to Castle Park and worked at local shops like Meyer Music and Barnswallow. By 1969, he had graduated from Hope College and had become Castle Park’s hotel manager. It was there he discovered his passion for hospitality, which provided him with an adventurous career in restaurant/club management. After moving to Cincinnati in 1984, he anchored such venues there as Rusconi’s – later reincarnated as Birds of a Feather — and Springdale Hall Club in Camden, South Carolina from 1999-2015. He volunteered at Christ Hospital and AVOC (Aids Volunteers of Cincinnati), and was devoted to caring for close friends and their families at end of life.
A much-loved brother, uncle, friend, caretaker, and neighbor, he was well known for his charm, style, sense of humor, kindness, and generosity. Over his lifetime he built a colorful collage of friendships, maintaining those friendships over many years — typical of his gregarious character and loyalty.
Life was colorful with Bill around
He knew all his neighbors and so many in his community who would frequently see him working in his yard, soaking up the sun, or walking his beloved Scotties and Westies. Having a keen eye for treasures, he could often be found at Main Auction Galleries. He took joy in cultivating plants of all kinds and was considered a resident expert gardener.
Bill will be remembered most for his zest for life and giving spirit.
The family would like to welcome all of Bill’s friends, and friends of the Parkes family, to gather to celebrate his life on Feb 3, 2024, 3PM-6PM, with remarks/opportunity to share stories to commence around 4:30PM. The celebration is to be held at the Anderson Center Community Room at 7850 Five Mile Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45230.
Bill’s ashes are to be scattered later this year per his wishes. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Caracole (https://caracole.org/) or The Christ Hospital Foundation (https://www.thechristhospital.com/about-the-network/foundation), organizations that Bill felt strongly about and actively supported.
