April 11, 2019
It is with great sorrow that the family of Herb Parsons announces his passing on Thursday April 11, 2019 at 78 years of age.
Herb was born and raised in Fernie BC, the eldest of 5 children born to 'Nell' and 'Bert' Parsons. Herb was a coal miner by trade and was a survivor of the Balmer mine explosion in 1967 when he was 26. In 1971 he married his wife Mary 'Anne' Logan and had two children, Heather and Daniel.
Throughout his life Herb was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, skiing, hiking and gardening. He enjoyed all aspects of these pursuits; he hunted trophy Whitetail in Saskatchewan, antelope in Wyoming, Dahl Sheep in the Northwest Territories and had a record Boone & Crockett Stone Sheep. He loved all types of fishing at the many lakes throughout the Kootenays, in warm weather or on the ice. In his younger years he enjoyed downhill skiing, then telemark and x-country. In all his homes he had a vegetable garden and took pride in his tomatoes grown out at the lake.
The family cabin at Mannesty/Suzanne Lake was his second home. Along with his father and brother Art, he built the access road and first cabin there. It was a place he loved spending time with family and friends and every hunting season for 43 years hosted a week long whitetail hunt there. In his retirement years after he had moved to Cranbrook he could be found out at the cabin more often than in town.
Herb will be remembered for his sense of humour, teasing nature, love of the outdoors, being a fiscally ingenious handyman, and giving personality. His other enjoyment's included fly tying, making homemade sauerkraut, wine, and prosciutto, finding a good bargain and reading. He loved spending time with family and cheering on his grandsons.
Herb leaves behind his daughter Heather (Dave); son Dan (Kirsten); grandchildren Keenan and Reese Parsons and Katie and Damon Picklyk; brother Bob (Laurie); sister Sherry (Tim); nieces Jodie and Nicky; nephews Gordie, Randy, Richard, Scott and John and sweetheart Candy. Herb was predeceased by his parents Herbert and Helen Parsons, sister Maureen Polacik, brother Art Parsons and loving wife of 39 years Anne.
Herb's family would like to thank the medical community of East Kootenay Regional Hospital & Kelowna Oncology for all their care in supporting Herb through his battle with stomach cancer.
A gathering in honour of Herb's life was held in Fernie on April 16th from 1 pm to 4 pm at the Fernie Senior's Centre. Herb's family thank all his friends and loved ones for their kindness and support.