Obituaries

June 22, 1972 - February 23, 2023

It is with heavy hearts and tremendous sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved, Gene Parsons (Bernard Eugene), of Grande Prairie, Alberta, formerly of Labrador City, Newfoundland. Gene passed away suddenly at his home in Grande Prairie on February 23, 2023, at the age of 50 years old.

Gene was born in Labrador City, Newfoundland on June 22, 1972 to Bernard and Joan Parsons. He was their only child, until he happily welcomed his sister, Cindy, in February of 1982. He grew up in Lab City, where he was very involved in the minor hockey program. He started out playing house league hockey and then graduated to the All-Star hockey teams that travelled all over the province of Newfoundland, and into Quebec, for tournaments. Hockey was his lifelong passion, and he was a proud goaltender through and through. One of Gene’s best hockey memories was when his team won the Newfoundland Provincial Championship in 1988.

After graduating high school, Gene moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he worked as an audio engineer for several years. He then decided to move to Grande Prairie, Alberta to be closer to family and to pursue different opportunities. Once in Grande Prairie, Gene was accepted into an apprenticeship program and graduated as a Red Seal Certified Machinist. He enjoyed professional success and was highly thought of in his field.

In 1996 Gene married his high school love, Paula Hounsell. Together Gene and Paula had 3 beautiful children; Zachary, Noah, and Rachel. Gene and Paula’s marriage ended in 2013, and they remained close as they continued to co-parent their three children. In 2017 Gene married his best friend, Wendy Fraser, and gained a step-daughter, Sarah. Gene’s heart was so huge and so loving, and he always made it known that he loved Sarah as one of his own.
Gene was an honest, hardworking man. He was passionate about his family, his friends, hockey, and music. He was a bottomless source of musical information and absolutely loved to pound on his drum kit at every opportunity! Those who knew him will always remember his amazing sense of humour and the way he could keep everybody entertained when he was in the room. Anywhere was a brighter place when Gene was there.

Gene is predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Clayton and Tryphena Parsons, his maternal grandfather, Manuel West, Uncle Clifford Parsons (Donna), Uncle Seymour Parsons (Ruby), Aunt Frances and Uncle Eskil Berg, Aunt Flossie and Uncle Kenneth Humphries.

Left to mourn with fond and loving memories are Gene’s wife, Wendy, sons Zachary and Noah, daughter, Rachel, step-daughter, Sarah, parents, Bernard and Joan Parsons, sister, Cindy Young (Darren), and maternal grandmother, Emma West. Gene is also survived by Uncles, Claude Parsons (Larne), Lawrence West (Karen), Aunts Marion Blackmore (Harland), Ruby Mosher, Glenda Winsor (Duane), Dale Alexandre (Dewaine), Marilyn Zacharuk (Edward), and Deane West (Mike). He also sadly leaves behind his nieces, nephews, a large circle of cousins and other extended family, as well as many loving friends.

A celebration of Gene’s life will be held at Bear Creek Funeral Home 11802 99 Avenue Grande Prairie, Alberta at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 18, 2023.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society #103, 9805 97 Street, Grande Prairie, T8V 8B9 would be greatly appreciated.

Care entrusted to Bear Creek Funeral Home 780 830 7742 bearcreekfuneral.com