It breaks our hearts to announce the sudden death of a legend, G.W. “Gerry” Parsons, on Friday, January 28, 2022 at South Huron Hospital in Exeter.
Gerry was born on March 23, 1937. He grew up on the family farm near Glencoe. After graduating from high school, he was drawn to the bright lights of the Forest City to pursue a career in management accounting. While working at Supertest Petroleum, Gerry met the love of his life, Marlene (Logan) Parsons. They were married on October 11, 1958.
He pursued a post-secondary education by correspondence while also working full-time and raising a young family. In 1965, Gerry earned the designation of Registered Industrial and Cost Accountant. His mantra throughout his life was “get your education”.
His career included stints at Wolverine Tube (London), Cyanamid (Montreal), and Dashwood Industries (Centralia) where he served as Senior VP – Finance. In “retirement”, Gerry kept busy for many years as a management consultant, and even founded his own software development company. He also performed “various duties as assigned” in support of Marlene’s thriving real estate career.
Later in life, Gerry enjoyed riding his motorcycle – his first Harley was a Road King and his second was a custom trike, taking trips through Quebec and the Maritimes, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia and even the Florida Keys. He also loved to fish and hunt, and to tackle ambitious home renovation projects.
Gerry was predeceased by his parents, Bill and Beatrice Parsons, his sister Betty Hurst, and his daughter-in-law Brenda Pinder Parsons.
He is survived by his wife of more than 63 years, Marlene Parsons, and their 3 boys – Randy (Marcy), Wayne (Kelly), and Kevin (Laurie). He also leaves behind 5 grandchildren – Jamie Parsons, Oriah Ori, Mason Parsons, Ashley Tobin and Hayley Baldry.
There will be no formal memorial service at this time. Gerry’s body has been cremated as per his wishes. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to consider a donation to the South Huron Hospital Foundation, or to the charity of your choice. Please join us in remembering “Big Ger”, and raise a glass to a life well-lived.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Archbishop Dr. Michael R. Foreman
My deepest condolences to the family for your loss
Raymond Leduc
Hello Randy and Family:
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Gerry was a great man and he gave me a big start to my career when he hired me in his consulting business. I owe a lot to him. It was nice to bump into him and Marlene at Crabby Joe’s every now and then and his big smile will be missed.
Sincerely,
Raymond and Sabine Leduc
Brenda
Marlene, Randy, Wayne, Kevin and Family. So sorry to hear of the passing of Gerry. He was a wonderful man, loved life and was always ready for a chat and a good time. Remember all of your good times to help you get through this difficult time. Condolences to all.
Brenda Morrissey & Andrew Gardiner
Joan Crawford
Marlene, so very sorry to learn of your hubby’s passing. To you and all your family sending deepest condolences.
Michael Sachter
Sorry to learn of this great loss Wayne – Sending support to you and your family
Marilyn Lightfoot
Marlene & Family
I’m so very sorry to hear of the passing of Gerry. He always loved to have a little chat when we met up at the post office box or if he was just out for a walk. He will definitely be missed in the neighbourhood. Thinking of you all at this sad & difficult time…💞
Marilyn
Jullie
Dear Marlene and family,
We were saddened to hear of Gerry’s passing. He was a great guy and had a way with his smile. In fact, I don’t ever remember him without a smile and such a friendly personality. From Kim working at DI with Gerry, to me cleaning house for you guys, to Kim taking Gerry and Jamie fishing on our boat, to you guys selling a couple of our homes, and even buying one of them, we remained in each other’s lives for a long time. After we moved to the lake it was always fun catching up at ‘Really Good Friday’ Events. He loved his children and grandchildren, and adored you Marlene, and it showed.
Hang onto the wonderful memories until you meet again.
Kathy Hayter(Wells)
Marlene Randy Wayne ,Kevin and families sending caring thoughts and loving hugs,Gerry was a gentleman with a smile on his face ,all your precious memories will bring a smile in the days ahead
George and Sue Wilson
Marlene,Randy,Wayne,Kevin and families, we are sorry for your loss of a great husband, Dad and Grandpa. Gerry was a very friendly man. Big smile and laugh. Cherish your wonderful memories . Hugs and prayers, George and Sue(Insley) Wilson
Jack& Margaret Kraft
Marlene, Randy, Wayne and Kevin
So saddened to hear this news. Gerry was such a gentleman – such a great man.
I had the honour and privilege to work with Gerry for a short time at United Plastic Components . A very smart man.
We will miss this fun neighbour who always had time for a chat. He had such humour and a great laugh. To a life well lived !
Our condolences to the entire Parson family.
Margaret& Jack
Pam Bedour
Dear Marlene, Randy, Wayne, Kevin, and family,
I’m so sorry to hear that you’ve lost your husband, dad and grandpa. I know Gerry’s big personality will be greatly missed, but I’m sure he’s left you with many stories to share.
Sending my deepest sympathy,
Pam (O’Brien) Bedour
Jack & Elaine Chipchase
To all the family— this is a sad time for each of you. We send sincere sympathy.
John and Tracy Van Gerwen
Sending our sincere condolences to all in the Parsons family at this difficult time.
Paul & Beth Anstett
Marlene & family,
Our sincere condolences to you all on the passing of Gerry. I will miss our little chats as well as Max will miss saying hello to him. May he rest in peace.
Paul & Beth Anstett & family
Berty and Janice DeGroot
DEAR MARLENE,,RANDY,KEVIN AND WAYNE AND ALL YOUR FAMILIES.
WE WERE SO SADDENED TO HEAR ABOUT JERRY’S PASSING THROUGH NANCY AND WAYNE. WE HAD SO MANY GREAT MEMORIES OF SUCH FUN TIMES ANY TIME WE WERE AT NAN & WAYNE’S WITH GERRY AND MARLENE. HE WAS SUCH A FUN GUY AND HE ALWAYS MADE YOU FEEL AT EASE. EMBRACE ALL YOUR BEAUTIFUL FAMILY MEMORIES. LUV BERTY AND JAN DE
Dave Frayne and Cathy Cade
To Marlene, Randy, Wayne, Kevin, families and friends:
Sorry to hear of Gerry’s passing. Have good memories of him, hoping that your memories bring you comfort in the future.
Our condolences
Al Taylor
Marlene and family
We were very sorry to hear of Gerry’s passing. Thinking of you at this sad time.
With deepest sympathy
Al & Bonnie
Exeter Villa
The residents and staff of the Exeter Villa send their heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
Bill & Louise Pincombe
Dear Marlene, Randy, Wayne & Kevin (Rusty)
So sorry to hear of Gerry passing. Many good times and lots of memories were made back in the minor hockey days. Time passes so quickly, especially when you’re having fun. Hold on to all the good old times!
Please accept our sincere sympathy.
Bill & Louise
Doug and Cathy Prout
So saddened to hear of the passing of Gerry. I was so fortunate to have worked with Gerry at Dashwood Industries, so many good times. Whenever I think of Gerry a big smile comes on my face.
Gerry had this innate ability to instill in those around him, proper work ethics, proper business practices and proper personal life practices without you even knowing he was doing it and I’m not sure he even knew he was doing it himself. Its just the way he was , a great mentor as well as a great guy. He showed us that you should work hard but that it is ok to have fun at work and we had lots of that.
Let those smiles come out during this tough time.
Doug and Cathy Prout
Lee Jackson
What a wonderful man Ger was!!
You are all filled with memories of all the cherished adventures that you were all able to make during his time on Earth. They will give you such peace and happiness forever.
Sending our condolences and much love to you all
Cheers to a long life well lived
Reg Lee Lennon Jackson
Mark Heimrich
Marlene, Randy, Wayne, Kevin & Families;
My sincere condolences in the loss of Gerry. Always such a friendly person and certainly an accomplished and respected man to look up to in our community. Our thoughts are with you all.
My Mom passes on her sympathy as well Marlene.
Mark (& Julie) Heimrich & Marilyn Heimrich
Brian Taylor
Marlene, Randy, Wayne, Kevin and families.
Sending our sincere condolences at this sad time. Cherish the memories of a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend. Our thoughts are with you.
Brian Taylor and Heather Dougherty
Julie and Kent
Randy, Wayne, and Kevin:
We were saddened to hear of your Dad’s passing, Gerry’s was a big life well-lived.
As head of the ‘South Huron Parsons Dynasty’, his impact was broad and positive – there is much to celebrate!
Sending warm thoughts and memories of Big Ger your way.
Mark Cronyn
Marlene, Randy, Wayne, Kevin and Families
So sorry to hear of Gerry’s passing. Thinking of all of you at this sad time.
Cherish all your wonderful memories .
Mark & Judy
Lois Ottewell
Marlene, Randy, Wayne, Kevin and families,
I am sorry to hear of your loss and send deepest sympathy. Our paths crossed when I was teaching Grade 8 at Exeter Public School, and I have pleasant memories of the Parsons family. It is difficult to accept the loss of a loved one , and may love and memories sustain you.
Lois Ottewell, Goderich.
Rod Morrison and Debbie Glavin
Marlene and family. We were so sad to hear of Gerry’s passing. Gerry was a great friend to everyone he met and always had time to say hello. Our condolences.
Rod Morrison and Debbie Glavin
Sherry Gilfillan-Penhale
Marlene, Randy, Wayne, Kevin and family:
So saddened of the passing of Gerry. I sure will miss my neighbour, our chats and chuckles and his friendly face. It was always comforting having your parents next door.
You will miss him deeply as that is how he was loved
Thinking of you all,
Sherry and Austin Penhale and Lola (Gerry was a dog lover)
Jacqueline Bunt
Wayne, Kelly, Mason and family,
We were so sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved father, Wayne. Thinking of you and all of your family during this difficult time. May the memories you have of him bring a smile to your face. Wishing you strength.
Love, Jacqueline, Ron and Rachel Bunt
Brenda Palsa
Marlene and family- my sincerest condolences on the passing of a true gentleman- your dad always had a great gift of gab- kind and hard working. He will be missed-
RON AND GLENDA LINDENFIELD
Marlene and Family
Our Sincere Condolences, Never Easy, Gerry will be missed by many
Jeff Hurst
Dear Aunt Marlene, Randy, Wayne, Kevin, and families.
Our deepest condolences to you and yours for the loss of Uncle Gerry. Some of my most cherished memories are of the times spent at the family farm in Glencoe or at your place in Exeter, with your family. Gerry will be greatly missed but always loved.
Love and peace,
Jeff Hurst and family
Johnny Karcz
To the entire Parson family,
My thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this difficult time.
Ger was a wonderful man, always caring and welcoming.
Embrace and celebrate his life through those memories you all have of Gerry.
RIP Big Ger!
Bill Farquhar
Marlene,Randy,Wayne & Kevin
We were sorry to hear of Gerry passing. A great mentor,friend & all around great guy. I will always cherish our years together at Dashwood Industries & my friendship with the Parsons family.
Bill & Linda Farquhar
Deb Gehan
Dear Marlene and Kevin, Randy and Wayne
So shock to learn of Gerry passing.
Please accept our deepest condolences
Deb and Bob Gehan
Marilyn Waldeck
Marlene & Families~~~We are very sad to hear of the loss of Gerry~~~He was a great person and will be missed by many~~~We know that all the good memories you shared with him will help you through the coming days and years and that you will hold them in your hearts and know that he will be always watching over all of you.
Marilyn Waldeck and Families.💕
Scott Bogart
Marlene, Randy, Wayne & Kevin,
Really sad to hear of the passing of Ger. What a great guy and you will all miss him very much! Thinking of everyone at this difficult time.
the Bogart’s
Scott, Lynda, Luke & Heath
Allen and Marjorie Oke
Marlene and family. We are so sorry to here of your loss..seems like yesterday that we were talking and laughing at the end of our laneway. Was always a pleasure to listen to Gerry’s witty comments. I’m sure that he will be sadly missed by family ,friends and neighbours?
George & Helen Pratt
Marlene, Randy, Wayne, Kevin & Families
Our deepest sympathy on the passing of Gerry. He was one of a kind
A great family man & a great friend. He will be truly missed.
Rest in peace Gerry
Cathie Alexander
Marlene and family,
So sorry to hear of Gerry’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Stu and Deb Homuth
So very sorry to hear of Gerry’s passing. He sure loved all of you so much. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Dorothy Spiegelberg
Marlene-So sorry to hear about the loss of Gerry. Thinking of you and your family-
Dorothy & Allan Spiegelberg
Elda Riehl
Marlene & Family
Our family is thinking of all of you at this sad time
Cherish the memories you have.
Chuck & Pam Ross
Marlene & Family,
We were so sorry to hear of Gerry’s passing. Our sympathies.
Wanda Reynolds
Marlene and Family
Our thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow.
Wanda & Bob Reynolds
Margaret Brintnell
My sincere sympathy to you Marlene & All Your Family.
Margaret Brintnell
Kathy Mann
Marlene and family: My deepest sympathy with the loss of Gerry. I’ll hold you in my thoughts and prayers.
Sandra Bartoch
Aunt Marlene, Randy, Wayne, Kevin and family. We are heart broken to hear about the sudden passing of Uncle Gerry. We have great memories of our family get togethers. Rest In Peace Uncle Gerry. I have visions of Uncle Gerry and Mom and Dad having a drink together watching over all of us. All our Love, Sandy, Rick and family😘
Brent Dawson
Jerry used to buy countertops from me when he was renovating houses. I can also remember as kids the whole Parsons family coming back to our farm to go snowmobiling. Lots of good times had by all . Jerry was a really nice guy. A life well lived. To the family I am very sorry for your loss.
Brent and Sharen Dawson
Lloyd and Carol Moore
Our deepest sympathy to Marlene and the boys. We have a lot of good hockey memories from the past.
Darlene Porter
Deepest sympathy to Marlene and family a loss to the neighbourhood . His presence will be missed as he often offered a cheery hello .
Evelyn Vincent
Marlene and family
So sorry to ready of Gerry’s passing. The world lost a good, hardworking man of integrity. May God grant peace and comfort
Donna Thompson
Dear Marlene, (Randy,Wayne,Kevin, et al)
So sorry for your loss! I hope you find solace in all your fond memories of “Uncle Gerry”.
Love, Donna Thompson & family
Peter Dekoker
I have so many great memories of Big Ger. The cliche about Dad’s always telling you to dial it back, Gerry was the opposite. Always positive and encouraging. His great love of life is reflected in the brilliance of Marlene and all 3 Sons. Always a treat to spend time with Gerry. Big smile and a hug. I miss him. My sympathies and condolences to the family…pete
Don and Brenda Triebner
Marlene and family,
So sorry to hear of Gerry’s passing. Deepest sympathies.
Greg and Chris Stewart
Dear Parsons family Chris and I offer our heartfelt condolences. We both have many fond memories of times spent with Mar and Ger. Back to university days, ball hockey tournaments in Exeter and lots of music adventures playing various roles in support of Randy’s amazing musical and fund raising talents. Ger and Mar were always amazing hosts and great boosters and supporters of their family. Here is to a great dad, grand dad … and husband and a life well lived!
Margaret Prout
Sending condolences to Marlene, Randy, Wayne, Kevin and families. Gerry will be missed as he
was always out and about in our community. Cherish all your memories.
Lynda and Don Pace
Sincere condolences and love being sent to the whole family. Sorry we didn’t have an opportunity to meet him but certainty heard wonderful stories about him.
Jim Oesch
Wow ,sorry to hear of your dad passing guys ,it’s been a long time Randy,Wayne and Kevin . Marlene ,you were blessed with a great man ,hugs folk 💕
Kristy Jenkins
Hello Parsons Family,
My heart skipped a beat at the news of Gerry’s passing. His big spirit, his big smile, his big support of live music, his big stories his big motor trike, his big red wine pour…all will remain vivid memories of my times shared with him. Heaven got a good on on Friday. May his eternal peace bring you all comfort. Big hug, Kristy
Frank & Paula Baasner
“Mr. Parsons” was very good to us over many years. Although we weren’t from Exeter, Gerry and Marlene both made us feel welcome from the first time Randy and I started playing music together more than 25 years ago. He was a big supporter of our musical endeavours, as he clearly was in all his sons’ and family activities. He never failed to inquire what was happening in our lives too. See you on the flip side, Mr. Parsons, we’ll all miss you!
Mike
Really sorry to hear about Uncle Gerry. Sending our condolences and prayers for the family.
Mike and Jen Logan
Heather & Ralph Wells
Marlene, so sorry to hear of Gerry’s passing a great man. You and the boys have many memories you will cherish. Sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Jim Chapman
Marlene,
Randy, Wayne, Kevin and families;
My deepest sympathy to you ! The loss of a Husband, father and grandfather is felt deeply
Remember, though, the many positive and happy events that you shared !!
Andrea & Craig Alexander
Marlene, Randy, Wayne, Kevin & families
So very saddened to hear of Gerry’s passing. So many great memories of our two families growing up on Main Street. We shared so many laughs. He enjoyed life to the fullest and now is able to rest in the sweetest peace.
With Love & Friendship,
Andy, Craig, Luke & Samantha
Tony Hall
Dear Marlene, Randy, Wayne , Kevin and families
Please accept our sincere thoughts on Gerry’s passing. We are still in shock at the devastating news.
Gerry was always jovial and willing to help or offer advice. . We crossed Canada on many business trips together and each was more memorable than the previous.
We salute you Gerry for a life well lived and thank you for your friendship and lots of laughs over the past 45 years.
Tony and Carol Hall
Dalton Ford
Marlene; Randy, Wayne and Kelly, Kevin; and your Families
I am saddened to hear of your loss. I feel that loss as well. I have always been thankful that I met Gerry, I have had a great working relationship and friendship with him for many years. He was one of those gems that you worked with, not for. I had many great times with him, a lot of laughs. He was very wise, and had a great way about him. I learned a lot from being around him. He was a true friend to me, and many others. I will miss him. Wishing you comfort in the days ahead, and in your memories of a good man. My sincere condolences to you all. You are in my thoughts, Dalt
Bart DeVries
Thinking of all of you. Hold onto your family memories during this difficult time.
Bart , Ann and family
Dianne Gerstenkorn Weber
Thinking of you Marlene and family. Keep Gerry tucked in your heart with all your great memories. Dianne
Joel Strickland
Big Ger is a bonafide legend in so many ways. In Mar, he married a legend – 63 years, love it, two people meant to be together found each other – and they raised legendary sons. The Parsons exemplify family values. Lots of Ger stories one of my favorites is I think it was Doug Raymonds stag, maybe not, but it was a road trip to Detroit, the excuse was a Tigers game, real reason was just good old fun. I remember going into a random bar around teh stadium and who was behind the bar pouring cold beers, Ger, of course. Just having fun and being Ger, making new friends and causing this delightful mischief. You could see and feel his love of life in the twinkle in his eye. Celebrate Gers life , he made a beautiful impact on many others. Miss ya Big Ger. Love and light to this amazing family.