Tributes for 'beautiful' Southampton man Sam Parkinson

Sam Parkinson, a "well-loved" veteran, tattoo artist and security guard, passed away on March 19, and his family and friends have since paid tribute to him.

The 26-year-old was a tattoo artist at Ian Ink Tattoo on Leighton Avenue in Shirley, and also worked as a security guard at The Edge Nightclub in Southampton.

As well as a passion for art, Sam was into skateboarding, music and motorbikes.

His “pride and joy” was his custom Harley Davidson that he worked on himself.

Sam Parkingson.

Sam was also a Royal Marines veteran and enjoyed mixed martial arts.

His sister, Meg Emilie, told the Daily Echo: "There are too many things that I could about my brother Sam. He was loved throughout his whole life by anyone that met him.

"Sam had the most infectious personality.

"He would make anyone smile with his bad singing and and his even worse dance moves.

"When he laughed, you would laugh. When he smiled, you would smile.

Sam Parkingson.

"Sam lead many different lives as a Royal Marine, a cage fighter, a tattoo artist, brother, son, grandson and friend.

"We love you Sam. Please do not suffer alone. Mental Health, especially Men's Mental Health is no a joke. You are not alone in this world."

His friends and colleagues from Ian Ink, who affectionately referred to Sam as Darius, told the Daily Echo that their lives “would never be the same”.

They described Sam as a “social butterfly” who loved being around people - old or young.

They said: “It is with very heavy heart that we say good bye to the beautiful SP Tattoos Sam Parkinson.

Ash, Jon, Stacey, Ian, Dan, Bam, Sam and Neef

"Taken way too soon, but we know you are looking down on us with that cheeky smile. We don't think you know how much you will be missed.

"Our thoughts are with your family at this devastating time."

They added: “He was more than a friend to us, we are like a family and it’s never gonna be the same with you.

“You were full of jokes and sassiness, with a beautiful smile that would brighten anyone’s day.

“We had so much planned together but we will continue our ventures with you in our hearts and memories. Fly high Darius, love the Ian Ink crew.”

The team at the Edge Nightclub Southampton added: “Sam was such a loving person, who could make just about anyone smile.

Sam Parkingson.

“He was not only the most friendly person you would ever meet, but a kind-hearted soul that everybody loved and connected with.

“He had the kind of warm energy that would impact the entire room, and immediately make you feel better just by being there.

“He will be dearly missed, and our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”