Burger King employees in North Branch, Minnesota, honored one of their best customers, 91-year-old Jerry Parkin, by having his name engraved on his usual chair after he passed away. Parkin’s children, Jenny Olson and Leo Parkin, were surprised when several employees arrived at his funeral wearing their work uniforms and carrying the chair.
The idea to engrave the chair came from Kevin Bennett, one of Parkin’s coffee companions, whose wife used a wood burner to add his name along with his birth and death dates. Tom DeHaven, the restaurant’s general manager, received permission from corporate to place the chair back in the dining area, an unprecedented tribute.
Parkin had a strong connection to the restaurant, where employees celebrated his 90th birthday and later fulfilled his request for a final meal while he was hospitalized. His last meal consisted of chicken nuggets, a cookie, and a shake, which his son brought to him. Olson expressed gratitude to the staff and describes the tribute as an honor.
Source: WJHG
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