Office of the Official Opposition
Wakeham and PC Caucus Pay Tribute to Kevin Parsons
For Immediate Release
(August 15, 2024, St. John’s, N.L.) – With heavy hearts, PC Leader Tony Wakeham and the Official Opposition Caucus are paying tribute to Kevin Parsons, a cherished colleague and friend who served as the MHA for Cape St. Francis from 2008 until his retirement in January 2021.
“Kevin Parsons was one of the kindest and most respected politicians I've ever met,” said Wakeham. “Like his dad, who represented the district a few years before him, he was devoted to his constituents, working as hard for them as he would for his own family. When Kevin announced his retirement in the House on October 29, 2020, tributes poured in from all sides of the aisle—a testament to the respect and admiration he earned throughout his career. His kindness, encouragement, and unwavering support meant the world to me, especially as I sought the leadership of our party.”
Kevin stepped away from politics in 2021 to spend more time with his family and was universally adored by colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Elected in 2008, 2011, 2015, and 2019, he served in various roles, including Parliamentary Secretary and Opposition Shadow Minister. Before entering provincial politics, Kevin was Mayor of Flatrock and had a 27-year career in the office equipment industry.
A pillar of the local sports community, Kevin held multiple roles, including President of the Flatrock Community Centre and coach of the Holy Trinity High Boys’ Hockey Team. In his maiden speech on December 16, 2008, he proudly highlighted his four Herder championships with the Flatrock Flyers and acknowledged the deep influence of his predecessor, the late Jack Byrne, and his family. He expressed gratitude to his parents, saying, “My mom and dad are the ones who have had the most influence in my life. They raised their children to show compassion, respect for those less fortunate, and the belief that community is family and families always take care of each other.”
Kevin’s final words in the House of Assembly were characteristically focused on others, as he paid tribute to a friend, Gord Dunphy, rather than himself.
“Kevin’s heartfelt compassion and encouragement are words we can all take to heart as we remember our dear friend,” said Wakeham. “We are going through a hard time right now, but we are surrounded by people who thought the world of Kevin and have their own stories to share. We will keep our heads up and remember the true gentleman that Kevin was and the remarkable example he set for all of us.”
Wakeham and the Official Opposition Caucus extend their deepest condolences to Kevin’s wife, Denise, son David, daughter Nikki, extended family, and the countless lives Kevin touched over the years.
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