Obituary of Eric Parsons

The village of Freshwater is celebrating the life of long-time villager Eric Donald Parsons who passed away on February 27, 2021 at 90 years of age. He was predeceased by his wife: Marjorie Marie (nee Badcock) in 1988, daughter: Cathy Ann in 2018 and long-time companion: Yvonne in 2020; parents: Shenstone and Mary; brothers: Bill (Nellie), Reg, and Dave (Jean). Lovingly remembered by his family: Donald and Matilda, Big Lake, BC; Gerry and Shirley, Shoal Harbour, Marie and Bill, Calgary, AB; grandchildren: Christopher, Warren, Keshia, Lucas, Bethany, Rebecca, and Matthew; great-grandson: Audric; brothers: Sidney (Joan), John (Mary), and Frank (Eloise); sisters-in-law: Joyce and Elaine; brother-in-law: Gerald; nieces: Sharon, Sandra, and Susan; nephews: Darryl, Duane, Robert, Kent, Craig, Stephen, both Bills and nieces: Allison, Sylvia, Jean, June, both Elizabeths; special friend: Beverly Jacobs and many remaining “family & friends.” He will be fondly remembered for the simple things in life - his quiet, steady faith; hearty and abundant hospitality; delight in storytelling and exuberant recitations; enjoying the outdoors; keen interest in the health benefits of medicinal properties, and most of all sharing his love for his family and friends by doing whatever he could for as long as he could. Predeceased by his mother (nee Mary Harriet Noel) when he was 9 years of age, his working life started young. In his formative years, he was sheep shearer, fisherman, and camp cook. In his early adult years he became road builder, carpenter, and miner. In his retirement hobby years he was a berry and dandelion picker, vintner and preserver, fly fisher, church protector, and … bell ringer. (If you were lucky enough, you may have even received a personal training session on how to “properly ring” the church bell.) For those who enjoy, and follow the salmon, you know that the salmon is a fighter. It perseveres and never gives up! Salmon are born in freshwater, and then migrate out to the ocean. When it’s time to spawn, they head back to their home in freshwater. Ancient Celts believed the salmon had great wisdom. Like the salmon, he too had great wisdom and perseverance. He fished for them, canned them, boiled them, baked them, stuffed them, and poached them. And as many of his family & friends know, he enjoyed smoking salmon most of all. A real treat was when you were the lucky recipient of a care package with dad’s very special salmon … smoked just for you. He had a great memory too, especially for reciting poetry, some of which he wrote himself. Perhaps his great ability to recite poems well into his later years (some of his favorites being “Lord Nelson’s Prayer” and “The Smoke Room on the Kyle”) was due to his steady consumption of … you guessed it … salmon! Due to pandemic restrictions, a private committal service will take place on Monday, March 1 at Freshwater United Church Cemetery. In celebration of a life well lived, donations may be made to the Freshwater CBN War Memorial Fund, c/o David Moriarty, Site 2A, Comp 21, RR1, Carbonear, NL, A1Y 1C6. As you reflect upon his well-lived life, we hope you partake in a “milk & honey” before you retire for the evening. According to Eric (often fondly referred to as “the Viking”), … it’s the best medicine going. Cheers everyone! *****