Remembering Jeffrey L. Parsons, 1947-2022

Family and friends are remembering Jeffrey L. Parsons, and sharing this remembrance with his community:

Jeffrey Lloyd Parsons
May 3, 1947 to February 10, 2022

Jeffrey “Jeff” Parsons was born on May 3rd, 1947, the youngest child of Lloyd and Dorothy Parsons. Jeff was born and raised in West Seattle and was the “favorite brother” of his two older sisters, Kay and Judy. He passed away at home on February 10th, 2022, surrounded by his family, after a brief illness.

Jeff attended EC Hughes Elementary, Denny Middle School, and Sealth High School, where he graduated with the class of 1965. He had many fun adventures with his childhood friends and fellow Boy Scouts and was an active member of Calvary Lutheran Church.

In 1967, Jeff joined the United States Navy Reserve and completed his training and service at the Naval Air Reserve Training Unit in Memphis, TN and the Naval Air Reserve Training Command in Los Alamitos, CA. Upon return to Seattle, he chose to follow in his father’s footsteps and completed an apprenticeship program for sheet-metal fabrication at Seattle Community College. Jeff pursued a lifelong career in commercial sheet-metal work at several Seattle area shops, with the majority of his career spent at Holaday-Parks, Inc., in Tukwila, where he was the Shop Superintendent and proud member of Local Union 66. He retired after 38 years in 2010.

In the late 1960s, Jeff met the love of his life, Sally Paton, and they were married in 1970. Jeff and Sally had over 50 years of adventure together as they raised two children, Maureen and Chris, and built a mountain cabin for their family in the remote community of Stehekin, WA. Jeff loved his outdoor adventures in Stehekin and his time spent with his many friends in the Stehekin community. He loved backpacking, camping, and fishing with his family and enjoyed road trips through the Northwest, Alaska, and Canada.

A gifted carpenter and metal worker, Jeff enjoyed many happy hours tinkering in his shop, and especially loved working on projects with his dad, son, and grandsons. A kind and generous friend and neighbor to many, he looked forward to his daily drives around West Seattle catching up with friends and family and delivering cookies to his grandkids. He loved watching his youngest grandson’s baseball, soccer, and basketball games, and he enjoyed listening to his oldest grandson’s violin and piano concerts. Jeff loved all things vintage; from collectible toys to historical photographs of Stehekin and Lake Chelan, Jeff spent hours curating his fascinating collection. His epic sense of humor was well known and he was appreciated by his family, friends and neighbors for his ability to fix anything.

Jeff’s love for his family was unconditional. Rain or shine, Jeff could be relied upon to help with whatever the situation happened to be, with a powerful mind and an indefatigable work ethic. He was able to provide his family with many decades of safety, opportunities, and beautiful memories. He never seemed to ask for anything in return but the company of his family, which was readily granted on account of his easy-going personality and aforementioned sense of humor. He will be greatly missed.

Jeff is survived by his wife of 51 years, Sally (Paton) Parsons; daughter Maureen Parsons and grandsons Aidan and Ian Busby; son Chris Parsons (Liz Browning); sister Judy Parsons; sister Kay McAvinew (Jerry) and their children Tony McAvinew and Tracy (Tim) Powell; sisters-in-law Sue Lesmeister (Bob) and Diane Peel (Omar); and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Dorothy Parsons, and sister-in-law Laurie Williams.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Cancer Society.

Please share memories, condolences and pictures with Jeff’s family at bonneywatson.com/obituary/jeffrey-lloyd-parsons. A private family service will be held at Washington Memorial Park in SeaTac.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

3 Replies to "Remembering Jeffrey L. Parsons, 1947-2022"

  • Dennis Hinton February 21, 2022 (9:32 am)

    Jeff was a fine, ever-smiling, gentle man and father.

  • Lori Hinton February 21, 2022 (9:45 am)

    So fortunate to spend time with Jeff  growing up and in my adult years. Will never forget our time in Stehekin where Jeff and family welcomed me to their special, happy place. Love and prayers to Sally, Maureen, Chris, Ian & Aidan.

  • Rick February 22, 2022 (3:52 pm)

    Dang it Jeff.  You were my connection with my sister Maria in Stehekin. Also a great customer and friend.  I’ll miss you.

Sorry, comment time is over.