Obituary of Howard Francis Parsons

PARSONS, Howard Francis 

Our dad, Howard Parsons went to be with his Lord and Saviour in the early hours of Sunday morning, October 11th, 2020, peacefully in his sleep, at Strathmere Lodge, Strathroy ON. Howard was in his 95th year. He was born in Toronto and lived most of his life in London, and most recently in Gowanstown, near Listowel. Howard is predeceased by his loving wife Ila Parsons (2008) and infant son Gary. Lovingly remembered by his children and grandchildren, Fred and Mary Ellen Parsons: Daniel and Amy, Adam and Jenn; Phil and Marie Parsons: Bradley and Sakae, Erin and Andrew Birkner, Brenden and Katherine; Tom and Diana Parsons: Jeffrey, Bryan and Alana, Jeremy and Jacqui; Karen and Frank Haveman: Eli, Erika, Caleb and Jennifer, and Ali. Proud grandpa of 22 great grandchildren. Will be missed by his brother Laurie Parsons and his wife Judy. Lovingly missed by all his relatives and many friends. 

Howard’s musical talent provided joy to many, playing in numerous local dance bands. He started his musical career in the late 1930’s with his brother Fred, starting one of the first jazz bands in the area. Howard served in the Canadian Navy in World War II, as a gunner and member of the ship’s Navy Band that provided entertainment and inspiration for the crew onboard. He always had particularly fond memories of his comrades and his experiences on the HMCS Ontario. Although dad was colour blind, he was very artistic, creating many beautiful portraits and caricatures. The Parsons family spent many summers together at their Inverhuron cottage, creating wonderful memories. In later years, Howard and Ila enjoyed travelling often to the east coast of Canada in their camper, making lots of friends along the way. Howard had a varied career working in sales, as a draftsman and ended his careers as a teacher. He will be remembered by his whole family as a loving mentor, leader and a man of integrity.

A visitation will be held at DENNING’S OF STRATHROY on October 21st, 2020 at 1:00 P.M. with funeral service to follow. Interment at Poplar Hill Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, donations to the Canadian Red Cross or a charity of one’s choice would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences and donations can be made at www.strathroyfuneralhome.com. 

Registration is required as we have limited capacity at the funeral home due to Covid-19 restrictions.  Please click on the link below to register or call 519-245-1023 for further information.

Visitation- https://signup.com/go/dWBbRmj

Funeral Service - https://signup.com/go/FhObzXF

The Funeral Service will be livestreamed on our Denning’s Facebook page on Wednesday, October 21^st, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. Please see link below.

 https://www.facebook.com/denningfuneral/