MICHAEL PARSON

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

MICHAEL PARSON 1931 - 2005 It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Parson peacefully following a brief illness at the age of 74, on September 20, 2005, with his family by his side at Bethesda Hospital, Steinbach. He will be sadly missed by his immediate family and friends. Mike is survived by his wife Joyce Anne; three sons, Michael James (Patti), Gregory Dean; Walter Thomas (Joanie); grandchildren Tara (Ty), Justine, Rika and Jakim (Jake); great-grandson Aiden. He was predeceased by his sister Sally and parents Jakim and Pearl Parson. Mike was born in 1931 in Admiral, SK and then moved to Estevan, SK to begin his life with Canadian Pacific Railway. It was there he met and married his wife Joyce Ann English from Gull Lake, SK. From there they began to build their family and with that they bloomed three sons (Jim, Greg and Tom) through his career with the later addition of four grandchildren and one great-grandchild. After retirement with 41 years of not booking sick one day, he took up his dream of building his own work shop where he spent many hours building several ornaments that decorated their three acre yard. People travelled to Sandilands to see Mike's wonderful yard and creations. His love for his yard and ornaments was his second calling. Mike was also an avid traveler across Canada and the USA. He loved to cross country ski the paths of Birds Hill and other parks of Canada with Joyce at his side. He also loved to hike in the summer time and take his son's dogs for walks. Mike and Joyce also loved to camp and canoe on their travels and several times found themselves in trouble but were able to pull through. Although Mike found his family activities came first, his love for the Railway and his friends were a close second! His desire to further his career was quite evident and successful from his move from Saskatchewan to Manitoba. He found it very hard to retire but soon found the pleasures of his retirement did allow enough time to fully enjoy his growing family, to travel to his Pioneer days in Rollag, Minnesota where he continued to help out each year as the Station Agent. Mike will dearly be missed by all who knew him. Joyce would like to express her appreciation to the staff of the Steinbach Hospital, Dr. Toews, Cancer Care girls Maggie, Angie, Tanya and Linda. As well to the staff of the Manitoba Cancer Care Winnipeg, Dr. Huston, Dr. Johnstone, Irana, Barb and Nancy, also all others who helped him through his short battle with cancer. According to Mike's wishes cremation has taken place. A private family service will be held at a later date. Should friends desire donations may be made in Mike's memory to the Manitoba Cancer Care Clinic, Salvation Army or the Humane Society. STEINBACH FUNERAL HOME 5 Chrysler Gate Steinbach, MB (204) 326-1351

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 22, 2005