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Obituaries

Al Parsons

October 07, 1947 - April 09, 2018

Text:

Obituary For Al Parsons

On Monday, April 9, 2018, with the love of his life at his side, William Edward Allan “Al” Parsons passed away, at the age of 70 years, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Al was dedicated to, and most proud of his family. He married Ann Parsons (nee Cranston) on August 14, 1971. They had three children: Billy (Emily) Parsons, Patrick (Shannon) Parsons, and Marla (Colin) McAusland. The addition of his beloved grandchildren: Hannah, Marie and “Baby on the Way” Parsons; Mackenzie and Huxley Parsons; Sadie, Reo and Macie McAusland; gave him further purpose in life.

His love of the outdoors, and his desire to ensure his children also learned to enjoy nature, led Al and a few friends to create the Father, Son, Daughter Campout at Two Lakes; celebrating 40 years in 2018. He could often be heard saying "The Only Mother Allowed is Mother Nature". Over the years, this event hosted thousands of fathers and their children! The coveted “Pinky Trophy” was the prize each year and could be seen proudly displayed by the winner in their home or business.

His professional career started out in the Men's Wear Department at the Grande Prairie Co-op, where he mastered the art of sales and team building. This led to a successful career in advertising sales, eventually becoming Sales Manager at the Daily Herald Tribune. As a result, not a day went by, where he did not anticipate the arrival of "the paper" which was read in his “back office” right after lunch.

After leaving the Tribune he founded Parsons Printing in 1988. This allowed Al the opportunity to showcase his amazing entrepreneurial skills. He grew this business to employ 14, he loved going to work every day and was a true leader. He would often be found loading his "Red Truck" so he could personally deliver the printing to his customers.

Al played hockey for many years, where he earned the nickname "Snips". His stature was not large, but his presence on the ice was. He was known to be a “fast little guy” on the rink. He also had a love for horses and spent every afternoon feeding them and spending time in the outdoors at “The Tent". Family and friends would often be found sharing a laugh and a drink or two with him there.

Al was an avid hunter, gardener, amongst many other interests. His home was always open to family and friends for special gatherings filled with laughter because of his sharp wit and his sense of humour. He was an amazing cook and hosted many meals over the years. He was most famous for his Oyster Stew at his annual Christmas gathering. He enjoyed those gatherings immensely.

Al holds a special place in the hearts of his siblings: Pat (Jim) Thompson, Janine (Jim) McGillivray, Rob Parsons (June Fournel), Debbie (Mike) Reid, Lisa Parsons (Darcy Ross), John Cranston, Norma (Jack) Surbey, Beth (Ken) Mus, and Robert Cranston (Val); as well as many nieces and nephews.

So, together with his family, we ask that you join us so that we may remember and share both the joy that his life brought us, and the sorrow that his passing brings at a Celebration of Life on Friday, April 13, 2018, at 2:00pm, at the Grovedale Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Grovedale Community Club (General Delivery, Grovedale, AB, T0H 1X0), or to a charity of one’s choice.

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Condolences

  • June 24, 2021

    Wynters Hilary

    Dear Ann I am so sad to hear of Alâ??s death. WE send our love to you and all your family. You must all be heartbroken with such a sense of loss. Al was a very special man husband father snd grandfather. I so sorry not to be at his Celebration of Life. There is alot to celebrate and I know you will share plenty of stories of those amazing and happy times. The last difficult months are over and Al is now free of pain. May he rest in Peace. But I know it doesnâ??t take away your pain yet. Thinking of you all and look forward to seeing you Ann when Iâ??m in Grsnde Prairie next. With our love Hilary and Gerald

  • June 24, 2021

    Wagstaff Neil

    Sorry to hear of Als passing.

  • June 24, 2021

    Joyce Cheryl

    What an amazing tribute today to the character Al was. Al was always there with a smile on his face and a story to tell. He always made sure the tent was ready and warm any time we would meet after walking , you just had to make sure you signed the guest book. We had a competition every year with him to see who would find the first crocus of spring. I will miss seeing him when I go out walking, he definitely was a part of our group. My condolences to Ann and family. He truly was one of a kind. Cheryl

  • June 24, 2021

    Frykas Lorraine

    Sincerest condolences Ann to you and you family.. Not sure how time passes you by so fast doesn't really seem that long ago when you think of the basement suite and all the good time we had. Sending our thoughts a players.

  • June 24, 2021

    Bauman-Wardill Charlotte

    I'm very sorry to hear about Al's passing. I would like to give my deepest sympathies to Ann and all the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the family. From the Bauman family, Merv Bauman, Leon Bauman were best friends with Al all through the 60's on.

  • June 24, 2021

    GRANT DENNIS

    To Ann and family. My heartfelt Condolence to you and your family.

  • June 24, 2021

    Buitenhuis John & Debbie

    Ann and family, sorry to hear of the passing of Al 😒. Our condolences to all

  • June 24, 2021

    Reynolds Laurel

    Ann I was so sorry to hear about Al. I will be thinking of all of you in the tough times ahead. Unfortunately I've another funeral to attend on Friday so will be unable to attend Al's but will certainly be there in spirits. Take care Laurel

  • June 24, 2021

    Smith Pender and Donna

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you all and may God comfort you all in the coming days, and weeks ahead.💕💕🙏🏻

  • June 24, 2021

    Kudeba Val & Mike

    Ann and family, We are so sorry for your loss. May the hard days ahead bring you happy memories of times together. May god bless you all and provide you with strength during this difficult time. Thoughts and Prayers sent to you and yours.

  • June 24, 2021

    Henderson Doug

    So sorry to hear of Al's passing. We will be back in Grande Prairie early in May and will see you at that time.

  • June 24, 2021

    Coombs Karen

    My condolences to Ann and the rest of the family on Al's death. Grande Prairie will be poorer for his loss.

  • June 24, 2021

    Best Tony

    If the measure of a man is by what is thought of him or said of him at the time of his passing then Al Parsons was a giant. â?? His family was his greatest joyâ?? and nature was his way of enjoying his family. my deepest condolences. take comfort in the wonderful memories. Tony Best The lights of Grande Prairie glow glimmer today

  • June 24, 2021

    Hryniuk Sonny

    Sincerest condollences Ann to you and your family - Al was a great friend for the years I knew him and I do remember how the two of you met! Sonny

  • June 24, 2021

    Dunbar Rod and linda

    Our sincere condoleneces. Rod and LInda Dunbar

  • June 24, 2021

    Barton Lin

    My thoughts are with you. So sorry for your loss. Jack and Al can have a rum together in heaven. Lin

  • June 24, 2021

    Prevost Barb

    Ann , to you and you family so sorry, thinking of you

  • June 24, 2021

    White Donna

    Dear Ann, I was deeply saddened to read the news of Al's passing. But of any wife, mother and woman can carry on it is you. You are a wonderful, smart and kind person who has the ability to inspire the good in all people. You built Parsons Printing together with Al and you were always the positive energy fueling the whole business. I have never met anyone like you Ann, and I am sorry that I will not be able to attend the service and give you a comforting hug. My heartfelt thoughts are with you, Donna Barrett, nee White

  • June 24, 2021

    Krpan ( Hunter) Lesley

    Ann and Family, I was so sorry to hear of Alâ??s battle with cancer and recent passing. Mum and Dad weâ??re so fond of you both and always spoke so highly of you. Please know that you are in my thoughts at this difficult time. Lesley

  • June 24, 2021

    Langstaff Eileen

    Dear Ann and family. I am so very sorry and saddened at the loss of Al. He was truly a fun and kind man. I believe he and "Grumpy" (Al's name for Ken) will have a happy time together in heaven. Sending you love.

  • June 24, 2021

    Trarback Trish

    My Dearest Ann. I am very saddened to hear of your loss. I know how special Al was to you and everyone who was Blessed to meet him. Please accept my condolences and know that you will all be in my thoughts and prayers. Unfortunately, I will be away on Friday, but know that I will be thinking of you.

  • June 24, 2021

    LaRochelle Ashley

    Ann, I am so sorry to hear of Al's passing. I hope the wonderful memories you made together will be a comfort to you during this time. I enjoyed all my interactions with Al and will always be grateful for the opportunity that he gave me working with your family. My thoughts will be with you. Ashley Ikenouye LaRochelle

  • June 24, 2021

    Krahn Trudy

    Ann and family, my heart breaks for you, my most sincere condolences to all of you. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time, and for the â??emptyâ?? days ahead.

  • June 24, 2021

    Schneider Pat

    Have walked the same road a decade ago...so much heartache. My God give you His comfort and peace/ sincerely, pat

We are experiencing some technical difficulties with our Obituaries.  We are working to resolve the issue as soon as possible.  Our apologies for any inconvenience.

 

To view the livestream of Sandra Van Schaick (Saturday at 11:00 am) or Glenn Kochendorfer (Monday at 2:00 pm) visit https://www.facebook.com/olivers.funeral.home/

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