It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we, the family, announce the passing of Kevin Parsons. Dad passed away on Sunday, March 10, 2013 at the Health Sciences Centre surrounded by his loving family and friends. Policeman, fireman, entrepreneur, Flatrock’s First Mayor, Member of the House of Assembly, Cabinet Minister, volunteer, hero and family man, all these words can be used to describe Kevin Parsons, a native son of his beloved Flatrock. He was born in Flatrock in 1930 and has lived his entire life in the community. In his younger days he, like most young men in Flatrock took to the sea. He fished out of Flatrock for a number of years including participation in the annual seal hunt from the age of eighteen. It was also during these early years that we witnessed an act of great heroism from Kevin and some of his fellow fisherman. They saved the life of a downed American airman who crashed off Flatrock while returning to his aircraft carrier. In 1953 Kevin and Mabel married and thus began a journey that lasted for 58 years until Mabel’s passing in 2012. For many of those years Mabel served as the Community Health nurse for the area. During the 1950’s he served as a member of the Newfoundland Constabulary. He later went on to serve as a federal firefighter in Pleasantville and was among the last to serve on the
St John’s harbour fire tug. Through his years in public service Kevin did not lose touch with the fishery which was so much a part of his Heritage. In the 1970’s Kevin formed Flatrock Trucking. Through this company as a businessman he continued to serve the fisherman of the entire area. He made sure that the fish got to market and that the fisherman received a fair price for their catch. His commitment to Flatrock also extended to the individuals and families who lived in our area. When tragedy struck two families in our area through house fires he created both the Scott Disaster Fund and the Bradbury Disaster Fund. He personally approached many businesses throughout Newfoundland to support the effort. For 20 Years he served as a member of the St John’s Roman Catholic School Board. He was instrumental in having new schools built in the area. Kevin and Mabel were deeply religious which was demonstrated in the way they lived their lives and the many acts of compassion towards others. One of their most proud moments came in 1984 when Kevin, as the Mayor of Flatrock, together with Mabel had the honor to welcome Pope John Paul to Flatrock for the blessing of the fishing fleet and a prayer service at the Flatrock Grotto — an event that had a profound effect on the many people who attended and the millions who witnessed it on national TV. Dad is predeceased by his beloved wife Mabel and by his adored parents: James and Agnes; sister Kathleen Barnes; and his big brother Ron (Kay Whitty). Loving father to Kathleen, Kevin Jr. (Veronica), Chris (Kathleen), Carl (Donnie) and Robert (Catherine). Cherished grandfather to Joanne, Jennifer, Jimmy, Dale, Leon, Justin, Michael, Nicole, David, Maggie and Kealan; great-grandchildren: Hanna, Jaxson, Kiana and Rylan. Also his nephews: Joe Barnes, Ron Parsons, John Parsons and nieces: Mary Weisman and Rosemary Gosse and sisters-in-law: Catherine Penton, Josephine and her husband Charlie. Special Mention to Patsy Parsons and Jimmy Everson, two very special people in his life, whom he considered a part of his family. Special thanks to all his visitors who shared their time and conversation with him over the last few years. He also leaves behind his very special friends at Spread Eagle where they spent many summers and many great memories. The family wishes to extend our deepest gratitude to the staff of Chancellor Park and the staff of the 4 North HS who cared for Kevin with love and compassion. Resting at Caul’s Funeral Home, TORBAY. Visitation on Monday from 7-9 p.m. and on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Funeral Mass to take place on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 10 a.m. from St. Michael’s Church, Flatrock, with cremation to follow. Flowers gratefully accepted or donations may be made to Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto, Flatrock.