Charles Simmons Parsons, born Feb. 28, 1930 passed away unexpectedly July 9, 2022 after a long life that was a witness to huge changes in the world. His life began when using horse-drawn farm equipment was common and he’d say he wasn’t at home in this modern era. He kept up with technology and used a smartphone, but he wasn’t happy about it!
He was the middle child of nine siblings and much to his chagrin was too young to enlist in the Second World War like his older brothers and sisters. He got his first job, to help support the family, at the age of 11; cleaning debris from under the (working!) saw blades in a sawmill. He spent many years hauling logs, and logging with horses in the Kootenays before he became a lumber grader (very proud of the fact he had the highest grading exam mark in BC). He and his family moved around the province to Princeton, Adams Lake, Lumby and Armstrong. His life took an unexpected turn in 1965 when he and a business partner started an airport limousine service. It was profitable and allowed him to realize his lifelong dream of farming. He moved his family to the farm in Mara in 1968, raising beef cattle, sheep, and eventually operating a dairy farm. He loved heavy horses and usually had a photogenic team on the farm. He (tried) to retire in 2000, but hated it. He continued farming and lived on his own until three days before his passing.
His measure of the worth of a person was by how hard they worked. But if that person was a hard worker and could tell a joke (or laugh at his), then you were definitely someone worth knowing!
The family would like to thank Dr. Michael Abayomi for his kindness, Interior Health care aides (Dad couldn’t have stayed at home without all of you) and Deseree from Better at Home (also indispensable).
Dad was predeceased by his wife of 61 years Shirley, his childhood sweetheart. He is survived by his children Bill Parsons (Marguerite), Marian Karvonen (Alan) and Judy Parsons (Walter Wilk) as well as ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
There will be a private family celebration of Dad’s life. Because Mom always supported the Salvation Army, Dad requests, that if so desired, people make a donation to the Sally Ann.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Charles Simmons Parsons July 9th 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Armstrong, Province: Colombie britanique
He was the bet neighbor you could have, our neighbor for 50 years. Charlie was always a happy person, always a smile. We will miss him