Wilfred K. "Fred" Parsons

Wilfred K. “Fred” Parsons, age 80, of Bozeman passed away December 5th, 2017 in the presence of his loving and dedicated wife, Joyce A. Parsons. Born on July 12, 1937 in San Diego, CA to parents Alfred B. Parsons and Florencejane Knoop, he was raised alongside his two brothers, Alfred and George. The family moved to San Bernardino and then on to Bloomington, where Fred lived the remainder of his childhood. In 1955, Fred graduated from Colton High School. After graduation, Fred attended San Bernardino Valley College, earning his A.A. in Business Education. He then enrolled at USC, graduating with his M.S. in Zoology. In 1961, Fred was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving at Fort Ord in Monterey, CA where he taught Quartermasters School until 1963. The remainder of Fred’s conscription was served as a reserve with the U.S. Air Force in Palm Springs, CA. It was here that he participated as a member of a rescue and recovery squadron. After his service, Fred briefly considered attending Dentistry school, but as he was red/green color-blind, he thought better of this idea.

Fred met Joyce Hogue in fall of 1961, noticing her through a window of the band room at San Bernardino Valley College. A small voice quietly whispered to him, “That’s the girl you’re going to marry.” When Fred told his father about his intention to marry Joyce, his father took Fred and Joyce each by the hand and imparted the sage advice “Remember, marriage is a 50/50 proposition and you each do your 75%. It doesn’t add up, but it is added insurance. You can’t go wrong.” In February of 1964, following three years of courtship Fred and Joyce were married in Colton, CA. They lived in San Bernardino, CA as well as Huntington Beach, CA. On December 12th, 1975 Scott Allen Parsons was born. The only son of Fred and Joyce, Scott’s life was cut short on June 8th, 1999.

After marrying, Fred worked for Bourns Inc. in Riverside, CA as a Regional Manager. He continued to Liberty Electronics in Inglewood, CA where he was employed in marketing and promotions. Fred’s life then took another turn, aerospace cut-backs forced Fred to pursue another direction. He began to learn the trades: plumbing, electrical and air-conditioning. He also worked for a time as a professional photographer for Custom House Inc., transforming one of his many hobbies into income. Fred enjoyed many hobbies, including music, camping, fishing, hiking and photography. He even had the opportunity to perform with Jack Benny.

Later in his career, he worked for the City of Anaheim, Convention Center/Stadium department as Facility Services Manager. He retired from his multifaceted career in 1989. Moving to Bozeman in October of 1989 was the best decision as Fred had developed a love for the beautiful Gallatin Valley, surrounded by stunning mountains. Upon moving, he worked for a time with Frontier Family Restaurant, Inc. as Purchasing/Facilities Manager. Fred finally completed his working career as a Territory Manager for NFIB (the National Federation of Independent Business).

On March 23, 1970, Fred was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Fred and Joyce were sealed for time and eternity at the Temple located in Los Angeles, CA on April 24, 1971. Fred was a dedicated member of his church, his family, and his community. He served in many church callings including ward clerk, stake clerk, and public affairs liason. He enjoyed serving with the Gallatin Valley Interfaith Association, meeting and building friendships with other leaders and members of other faiths. Together, he and Joyce were privileged to serve for ten years as LDS stake coordinators for Family Promise of Gallatin Valley, partnering with Bozeman United Methodist Church and First Presbyterian Church.

Fred served as Cubmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, Scoutmaster, as well as District Leader for the Boy Scout Mountain Valley District and as an Assistant Council Commissioner for the state of Montana. He attended and completed adult wood badge training. He earned the District Award of Merit in addition to the Silver Beaver Award. Fred was a HAM radio operator enthusiast, especially while residing in California. He volunteered for several years in the command booth for the Rose Parade held every year in Pasadena, CA. Fred also volunteered as an emergency radio operator for both the cities of Anaheim and Huntington Beach, CA.

Fred is preceded in death by his parents and son Scott Allen Parsons. Survivors include his loving wife Joyce; brothers Alfred B. (Linda) Parsons of Vista, CA and George (Carol) Parsons of Meridian, ID; brothers-in-law Darrell C. (Joan) Hogue of Bremerton, WA and Stephen W. (Barbara) Hogue of Eugene, OR; cousins Joyce (Bob) Garrett and Barbara (Stan) Carter. Fred is also survived by many nieces and nephews, as well as close friends too numerous to mention.

A funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 9th, 2017 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Stake Center located at 2915 Colter Ave Bozeman, MT, followed by a graveside dedication with military honors. Memorials may be made in Fred’s name to Family Promise of Gallatin Valley at P.O. Box 475 Bozeman, MT 59771.