Merle Brent Parsons , December 07, 1953 — November 09, 2018

OBITUARY Merle Brent Parsons December 7, 1953 – November 9, 2018 Our beloved husband, father, and friend left us suddenly after a massive heart attack on Nov. 9, 2018 while on business in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was born in Seattle on Dec.

7, 1953. He spent his early years in Bellingham and enjoyed an idyllic childhood. In his teen years his family moved to Edmonds where graduated from Edmonds Woodway High School in 1972 then attended the University of Washington where he rowed crew and was a member of Delta Chi (social), Beta Alpha Psi (accounting) and Alpha Kappa Psi (business) fraternities.

In 1977 he received his BA in Business Administration (accounting) and earned his C.P.A., launching a 25 year career in public accounting. He retired as partner with Grant Thornton in 2003. Over the past 15 years he has consulted for American Seafoods, Sienna Group and others, served as CFO for a variety of start-ups, and in 2005, was elected to the Board of Directors of Koniag, an Alaska Native Corporation.

Koniag was the highlight of his professional career. He was able to blend his business acumen with his Alaska Native heritage. He loved the people, the culture and his colleagues.

At the time of his death he was Vice-Chairman of the Board and a Fellow with the National Association of Corporate Directors. Brent was a devoted son, husband, and father. When the kids were growing up he was involved in the YMCA and Boy Scouts.

He particularly enjoyed campouts and adventure trips. He served his church as council member, greeter/usher, was a member of numerous small groups and a frequent volunteer at Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission. He loved to cook and delighted family and friends with his BBQ salmon – the Parsons’ family celebration meal of choice.

Brent is predeceased by his father, Merle, survived by his mother, Selma, brothers Steve (Joan) and Lei (Kelly), wife of 40 years, Pat, children, Dr. Alicia Cantrell (Thomas), Matthew (Tovah), Shelby, and new granddaughter, Ruth (Alicia & Thomas). We miss him dearly but are comforted knowing he is with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. A memorial service will be held Sunday, Dec.

2 at 3pm at Eastside Church at 14520 100th Ave NE in Bothell. Donations may be made in his name to Koniag Education Foundation or Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission.

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