April 23, 1938 - May 23, 2023
With heavy hearts we announce the passing of George David Parson, 85, of St. Marys, Ontario, formerly Stratford. Surrounded by loved ones, Dave left us on May 23 after a valiant battle with cancer and kidney issues.
Beloved son of the late Ridley and Marjorie Parson, forever-smitten husband of Joan Elizabeth Parson, and most devoted father/mentor of Chris (Christine) Parson, Sara (Michael) Walser, and Kate Parson, and grandfather to Hilary & Megan Parson, Astrid, Georg & Sophia Andersson – David is survived by brother William Mark (Elaine) Parson, and preceded in death by daughter Jennifer Anne and his brother John Ridley (Linda) Parson.
Born April 23, 1938 in Freeport IL, David grew up in rural Ontario, finally settling in London to enroll in a graphic arts programme at Beal Technical School and upon graduation, accepted a position and swift promotion as Art Director at London Life.
At a crowded house party one floor up in January 1963, he met and fell madly in love with the birthday girl, proposed by Valentine’s Day and married her at Thanksgiving the same year. David and Joan soon settled in Stratford following an offer as Art Director at Mirror Press. Eager for more creative freedom, David later opened his own advertising agency in 1970. One early significant client was the Stratford Festival of Canada, an account he held for almost 25 years. His agency grew with excellent repute as one of the premier performing arts marketing agencies in North America, with satellite offices in Toronto, New York and Florida simultaneously serving clients such as The Toronto Symphony, Canadian Opera Company, National Ballet, Shaw Festival, National Arts Centre and the Art Gallery of Ontario, among others.
Dave was able to share his creative energy and insight in the community, serving on numerous boards and committees over the years. A proud member of the Kinsmen Club/K40, he was also instrumental as President of the Stratford Tennis Club in the early years on projects that included the building of the clubhouse and hard courts in Upper Queen’s Park.
At St. James Anglican Church he marked his commitment to his faith, found fellowship and another place to share his gifts, active as Warden and on fundraising committees, notably together with Joan for the restoration of the church bell tower.
Dave took up sports as an adult, enjoying tennis, skiing and hockey. He loved flying his Cessna 172 (his beloved ‘GRT’), appreciated the beauty of Tom Thomson country and was an excellent canoeist. He and Joan found a special spot for the family to enjoy many years of cottage life, in the Kawarthas on Pencil Lake, always with a project on the go (but somehow the right tools often in the wrong place). He was an avid woodworker, was most happy “making sawdust” in his well-equipped shop. His work will be cherished by loved ones as a reminder of his talents.
The family is so very thankful for the exceptional care provided by Dave’s team: Dr. Erin Glass, Dr. Andrew House, CarePartners, St Marys Memorial Hospital, the Dialysis Unit & staff at UH in London, the VON Adult Day Program, staff & peaceful facility at the Rotary Hospice in Stratford, and especially for the compassionate, over-and-beyond care given by Don Ewert in the home these past years. As expressions of sympathy memorial donations may be made to St. James Anglican Church (Stratford) or Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth.
A memorial service will be held at St James Anglican Church, 41 Mornington St, Stratford on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at 11:00 a.m., with a Celebration of Life that afternoon from 4-7 p.m. with a venue to be announced through the funeral home website. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the W. G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron St, Stratford. www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com
