Obituary of Graham Frederick Parsons

August 18, 1945 - Leigh-on-Sea, England

April 18, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Graham Parsons, late of Calgary, AB, born August 18, 1945, in Leigh-on-sea, Essex, UK, passed away peacefully after a long and valiant fight with Cancer on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at the age of 77 years.  He was the youngest son of Philip and Lily Parsons and brother to Brian. Graham grew up and was educated at Westcliff High School for Boys, where he earned his nickname of “POG” of England. Graham graduated from the University College London, and subsequently completed his Ph.D. from the same institution. 

Graham fell in love and married his wife Penny in 1967 at St. Peter’s church Westcliffe, UK. Together they embarked on a great journey, immigrating to Canada beginning a new life. Their adventure had them living in Toronto, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, and Regina. They set roots in Saskatchewan where they raised three wonderful children, Ben, Sophie married Marc (Hildebrand), and Abigail married Mike (Stewart). The years in Saskatchewan were filled with trips to the lake, campfires, windsurfing and sailing. He was a proud grandfather to four loving grandchildren, Nathan and Lauren (Ben), and William and Amelia (Abigail and Mike). 

Graham was a poet, he enjoyed public speaking, and took pride in writing, and publishing papers/books on a wide range of topics throughout his career. Graham always sought to advance public policy to eliminate dysfunction. He spent his career focusing on policy evolution that would improve lives at a Provincial and National level.

Graham loved to travel the world but his favorite place to visit was Maui, where he could walk the beaches, hop, jump in the waves, swim with the turtles and take in the beautiful sun. Graham was lucky enough to share this joy with many loved ones.

Following Penny’s passing in 2014, Graham was blessed to find love again with his partner Elizabeth Cook, and moved to Calgary to be with Beth and to be closer to his children and grandchildren. Graham and Beth lived his last years loving their families and travelling the world together. He was a huge fan of his grandchildren and was always there to watch Nathan’s soccer games, William’s hockey games, and Lauren and Amelia’s dance competitions and recitals. 

Graham was an intelligent, caring, loving, husband, partner, father, and grandfather who will be greatly missed but whose life will be celebrated by his families and friends. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, partner and brother. 

Funeral Services will be held at St Martin's Anglican Church (1009 Prominence Way S.W., Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at 2:00 p.m., with Father Giovanni DiVincenzo officiating. Reception to follow at the Church. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mr. Parsons’ service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 200 – 325 Manning Rd. N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 2P5 Telephone: (403) 205-3966, email donorservices@cancer.ab.ca. 

The family would like to thank the Doctors and Nurses at Foothills Medical Centre and Dulcina Hospice for their care.

In living memory of Graham Parsons, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.

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