David “Davey” Ray Parkin

June 21, 1978 – February 9, 2023

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WHEATLAND – “What a surprise!” may have been the first words to reach newborn Davey Parkin’s ears. He had a brand-new brother, Donny who had just been born eight minutes before, and most believed the “birthing” was done—even though his mother had been big as a house for quite a while.

Thanks to the skill of Dr. Rodney Ray Rutt, David Ray Parkin entered the world successfully on Wednesday, June 21, 1978, weighing eight pounds, two ounces which was also a surprise—a very healthy weight for a twin whose newborn brother had weighed seven pounds, 15 ounces. But that’s not the end of that incredible story because eight minutes later another unsuspected brother, Daniel, joined the duo making them the first, and still the only triplets born at the new Torrington Hospital. And with a combined weight of 22 pounds, 22 ounces, or 23 pounds, six ounces —they may be the heaviest triplets on record, according to Guinness, with Dave perhaps the heaviest triplet ever born in the United States.

Sharing all kinds of adventures and mischief with them and his older brother Darren who was four years older and sister Dalee two years older, Dave grew up in the loving, chaotic household of Don and Patsy Parkin.

Dave graduated from Wheatland High School in 1997 where he was crowned Homecoming King as a senior. He then established a long and varied work history, including five years with Albany County Weed and Pest and ten years with Dyno Nobel in Cheyenne. He was very involved in helping out at the little family farm in Nebraska where the entire family spent many summers and built many memories. He even tried college at the University of Wyoming for one semester, perhaps earning the lowest GPA in their history. He didn’t seem to realize that “Parkin Time” which means “late to everything” doesn’t work for college classes. He was obsessed with old vehicles, computer games, and cats. 

The major influence in Dave’s life was his father and he was certainly his dad’s son—never met a stranger, could talk and listen to others for hours, well-known and well-liked by all who met him. He drew children to him like a magnet who quickly seemed to recognize that he was a lot of fun. His nieces and nephews, Hannah, Deegan, Avery, and Adalynn Parkin, and Kian McIntosh knew they had the best Uncle Dave in the world.

Dave was killed in a traffic accident on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023. The world lost a truly valuable soul that day.

No funeral service will be held, but a Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date.

The Gorman Funeral Homes – Platte Chapel of Wheatland, Wyoming is in charge of the arrangements.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.gormanfh.com.