Tribute to John Park

Dad & Me

My Dad's music flowed as freely and naturally as any bird song or river.

He was an officer and a gentleman. His keen, unbridled wit was incisive, clever and boundless. The first record album he bought me was not jazz, but rather comedy by Jonathon Winters. He taught me his golf swing by counting the tempo off like a medium swing tune.

John gave me only two formal music lessons in my life. He simply lived the music, and led by example.

Despite ill health, he often worked two jobs a day to support a wife and four kids.

John Park performs on the Ed Sulivan show.

His third heart attack took him in his sleep on Pearl Harbor Day, 1979. He made only 45 laps around the sun.

I have played Dad's Yamaha alto sax and flute for 25 years now.

His spirit and music will always flow through me and I gladly give him the horn anytime he wants it.

--Kim Park

 

 

 

 

 

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