Obituary of Brian R. Parsons

PARSONS BRIAN - Unexpectedly at his residence on Tuesday, March 8th, 2016; Brian Ray Parsons, husband of Patty (Estey ) Parsons of Valley Road, NB. Born in St. Stephen, NB, he was the son of the late Lloyd & Ethel (Heckbert) Parsons. Surviving in addition to his wife Patty are his daughter Samantha Kinney (Jamie) of Crocker Hill, NB and his son Jarod Parsons (Courtney) of Oak Bay, NB, one sister Brenda Downey (Steven) of Maugerville, NB, 5 grandchildren Zach, Nate, Piper, Mia, Aubree, several sisters in law, brothers in law, nieces and nephews. A little hint of the power of Brian Parsons lies in the smiles of those who, this week, are remembering the 62-year-old with great fondness. Parsons … a former employee of St. Croix Printing and Publishing … died unexpectedly Tuesday morning. On Wednesday, Randy Hogge and Darren Justason sat in a room of Parsons’ former workplace, to share memories. And, despite the gravity of the event, both smiled, as they remembered a man they worked with, worked for, and, moreover, respected. A baker by trade, Parsons entered the printing business on Sept. 15, 1989, assuming the helm of Parsons Printing, a company his father, Lloyd had founded. “Brian had to learn the trade from all of us,” Hogge recalled. “He was kind of plucked into it.” Hogge described a hard-working man who was happier working for someone else. He so greatly cared for the people around him … workers and clients alike … that when in charge, he put, perhaps, too much pressure on himself, Hogge related. “He had a great relationship with clients,” Hogge said. The two finished each others’ sentences as they describe a good-natured man who never put much in material possessions, but instead, invested considerable energy forming bonds with those around him. More than anything else, the lasting impression was … is … that Parsons was always devoted to his family, the two stated. “He took his family seriously,” said Justason. Hogge added all of us could “aspire to be like Brian,” in terms of how much time he spent with his family, committed to his children and grandchildren. Speaking Thursday, Paulette McMorran agreed. “He’s the rock of the family,” said McMorran. “His life is his family. He’d do anything for anybody, but his family is his life. His kids and grandkids – he was always there.” St. Croix Printing and Publishing acquired Parsons Printing in May 2008, and Parsons, as St. Croix Printing and Publishing business manager Shelley McKeeman recalled, “quickly became one of the crew.” “His easy-going manner and infectious laugh made our work environment more upbeat.” Somewhere along the line, Parsons adopted a unique means of celebrating co-workers’ birthdays, involving a grass skirt and a ukulele serenade. “He was legendary for his dancing birthday tributes to any of our staff celebrating, and he never disappointed when it came to his dance moves,” said McKeeman. Asked about that ritual, McMorran grinned. “Every year, you knew it was coming. That was just Brian’s sense of humour.” Parsons retired in July of 2011 to spend more time with, as McKeeman described, “the family he adored.” Though retired, he retained bonds with those he had once worked alongside. “He would often stop in when out on his walks,” said McKeeman. “He always gave us the update on the grandchildren he loved so much. I will miss his visits … he always made me smile no matter how my day was going. He was a true gem and I will miss him dearly.” The man’s powerful connections to his family emerged in conversations with Advocate Printing and Publishing president and CEO Sean Murray. “Brian’s passion for family, sport and community was evident. His decision to join The Saint Croix Printing team was driven by his desire to spend more time concentrating on those passions,” said Murray, who added, “his memory will resonate with those he impacted for years to come.” Others in the community may know Brian from his long-time involvement with the St. Stephen Minor Hockey Association, where he served both as an official and as a coach for multiple teams. The funeral service in celebration of Parsons’s life will be held on Saturday, at 11:00 am at St. Stephen’s Presbyterian Church. Asked to speak of the one thing that defined Parsons, McMorran focused, again, on his sense of humour. “He’d make anybody laugh,” she said. “Every day was a joy for him.” Added McMorran, “He’d be the one going to the funeral home, making jokes, to make us feel better.” “He won’t be there, tonight.” Resting at Humphreys Funeral Home, 20 Marks Street, St Stephen, NB E3L 2B2 (506 – 466 – 3110) from where the visitation was held on Thursday from 7 – 9 pm and on Friday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 pm. The funeral service in celebration of Brian’s life was held on Saturday, March 12th, 2016 at 11:00 am at St. Stephen’s Presbyterian Church. Rev. Cheryl MacFadyen officiated. The interment took place in Moores Mills Cemetery followed by a reception at Humphreys Funeral Home. . In lieu of flowers donations to the St. Stephen Golf Course or charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family. On line condolences to the family or donations can be made at www.humphreysfh.com