PARSONS, Raymond John age 84 of Melvern Square passed away peacefully at home on July 23, 2015 surrounded by his loving wife of 59 years and all eight of his children by his bedside as the morning sun began to rise. Born in Glovertown, Newfoundland he was "proud to call John C. and Beryl V. (Sparks) Parsons his parents" and often returned there to reconnect with his cherished roots. During the Depression years his family relocated to Halifax where he attended school in Fairview and developed a keen entrepreneurial spirit at a young age. Following a period of farming in Pictou County at the age of 16, he returned to school and completed his BSc Degree at Acadia University and then his Diploma in Meteorology at Carleton University. He was known as "the weatherman" throughout the Annapolis Valley on the local radio station for over 25 years. In addition to his career as a Meteorologist, he developed a passion for real estate and business and an appreciation for the value of the land. For a period of over five decades, he was President of many businesses including Parsons Investments Ltd, Mid Valley Construction, Fraser's Pro Home Centre, GW Sampson Ltd, Parsons Motors, Windsor; Mainland Telecom, a founding member of Green Diamond Equipment as well as a partner at Berwick Heights Golf Course. Over the years he thoroughly enjoyed working with his family and employees and provided opportunities for many. His business interests were represented all over the province where he travelled regularly and developed long lasting relationships with numerous associates. He had a strong business acumen and was known for his integrity and calm, steady leadership and quietly supported many community causes. In addition to his passion for his life's work, he also loved life at home on the farm with his family. As time provided, he genuinely enjoyed living off the land and sharing the fruits of his labor. Over the years he enjoyed many cherished friendships. He was a dedicated member of the Kingston United Baptist Church and charter member of the Kingston Lions Club. He is survived by his supportive wife Dorothy Jean (Anderson), children- John, Bruce (Shelly), Melanie (Richard) Brown, Paul (Christine), Craig (Laurie), Lynne (John Elliott), Susan (Michael) MacArthur, Raymond (Lori), twenty-two grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren whom he loved dearly. He is also survived by his sisters, Joan Smeltzer, June (Arnold) Landers, Eva (Melvin) Parsons, brother, David, several brother and sisters-in-law as well as numerous nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by brothers, Eric and Donald and sister, Amne. It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to our rock and hero, our leader and most of all, our father whose qualities of wisdom, fairness and consideration will guide us in the days to come. Visitation will be held 7:00PM to 9:00PM, Saturday, July 25, 2015 in the Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main Street, (902) 825-3448. Funeral service will be held at 4:00PM, Sunday, July 26, 2015 in the Kingston United Baptist Church, Rev. Leon Langille and Rev. Paul Bannister officiating followed by a reception. Private family interment will take place in the Church Grove Cemetery, Melvern Square. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory may be made to Canadian Cancer Society, Nova Scotia Division and Victorian Order of Nurses - Annapolis Valley Branch. The family would sincerely like to thank all health care teams involved in our Dad's care, in particular, Dr. Paul McGuire for his friendship and exceptional support over the years. Special thanks to our sisters, Melanie, Lynne and Susan for their unconditional care. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main Street, (902) 825-3448. Online guest book may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com