Passed peacefully away surrounded by family and friends after a brief illness.
Leaving to mourn his mother, Effie Mae (Snelgrove), children: Jacob (Shelby) and Elise (Jesse) and their mother Lisa Davis (Jack Mercer); grandson: Dashiell; brother Derek (Laurie) and nephews: John Derek, Stephen and Luke of Easley, South Carolina; best friends Robert and Raelene Thomas, Harry Simms and Anne Marie Lane, Dave Taylor, Greg Morgan, and a large circle of other relatives and friends, including over 20 first cousins with whom he was very close. Don was predeceased by his father, Jacob Parsons.
Don’s love for cooking was a defining part of his life. He delighted in preparing meals for family and friends, always finding joy in bringing people together over food. In the 1980s and 1990s, Don shared this passion with a wider audience as the host of 30 Minute Menus, a popular local TV show on Cable 9. The show was a beloved staple in the community, and Don was recognized in St. John’s for years afterward as the friendly face who made cooking both accessible and fun. His Christmas puddings and cranberry sauce became legendary among family, coworkers, and friends—a true taste of his generosity and care.
An avid sailor, Don found peace and joy on the water aboard his beloved sailboat, Galefilero. The name, drawn from a Newfoundland English term for “a jaunt, a rambling walk or ride just for the sake of breaking restraint,” reflected his love for breaking free, having adventures and embracing the moment. With the boat’s motto, Festina Lente—“make haste slowly”—Don embodied a philosophy of exploration, adventure, and contemplation, especially while spending cherished days sailing. All who knew Don would also know of his beloved cat Bosun, who would join him on his sailing adventures.
Don was a dedicated member of the Terra Nova Yacht Club (TNYC), where he recently served as Maintenance Chair and Commodore. His time at TNYC brought him not only a strong sense of community but also many dear friends who shared his love of the sea.
Beyond his hobbies, Don was a lover of history, philosophy, and literature. He relished thought-provoking conversations, often enriching discussions with his deep knowledge and passion for learning. His love of storytelling carried into his professional life, where he spent over 30 years with Parks Canada, leaving an indelible mark through the interpretive panels and exhibits he developed at Signal Hill, Cape Spear, Castle Hill, the Ryan Premises, and more. His creative legacy extends to exhibits at St. John’s Airport and the Summit Centre in Mount Pearl, where his volunteer work helped preserve local stories for generations to come.
Don’s life was also rooted in the great outdoors. He enjoyed moose hunting and fishing trips with his closest friends, traditions and friendships that spanned more than 40 years and provided countless memories of camaraderie and connection with nature.
Don’s unwavering love, wisdom, and humor enriched the lives of everyone around him. His spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
The family is deeply grateful to the staff and volunteers of the Miller Centre, as well as the staff of the Arnprior & District Memorial Hospital (in Arnprior, Ontario) with special thank you to Dr. Schriver in Arnprior for the exceptional care and compassion Don received while in their care.
A private celebration of his life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of one’s choice.
Better late than never, I suppose, to offer my condolences to Don’s family and close friends. I knew Don through our work with Parks Canada, but our friendship–partnership might be a better word–continued into our respective retirements, which, alas, was all too brief for Don. He was a man of many talents, and as genuine and kind a person as ever walked the earth. Gone too soon, but never forgotten.
Sincere Condolences to Don’s family. We are in Australia and it was such a shock to hear this devastating news.
Don was such a great volunteer at the Tnyc marina. He surely will be missed and certainly will be well remembered for everything that he did at the marina.
Cyril and Madeline Martin
It took only a moment to know what a genuine, warm, and delightful man, son, husband, and father Don was.
He will be missed dearly.
Cousin to Don by Don’s Aunt Olive on his mother’s side.
Over the 20 years I had the pleasure of working alongside Don, I was constantly impressed by the breadth of his knowledge and skills, as well as his generosity and humanity. Don was wise without pretension and always happy to share a deep thought on everything from the state of the world to how to make the absolute best cranberry sauce (which was a fixture on our Christmas dinner table for many years). My deepest condolences to Don’s family and many friends.
Don was such a thoughtful kind gentleman. I knew him through work and he was always top notch! Heartfelt condolences.
I am so sorry to learn of Don’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with Don at Parks Canada for several years and enjoyed his stories and his pride in his family. Sending my sincere condolences.
I was shocked and very sorry to read of Don’s passing. I only met him 18 months ago, when my brother passed suddenly. Don was very helpful and unbelievably generous with his time, helping me sell my brother’s sailboat & gear. It would have been a very different experience for me otherwise. The world has lost a good soul. My sincere condolences to his family.
Dan was a true gentleman. I will always remember his kindness.
I was so very shocked and sorry to hear of Don’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with Don for many years at Parks Canada. So very kind and generous with his time and talents, he was always there with a smile to help out. He was not only knowledgeable but also very entertaining.! He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
With Deepest Sympathy
Marilyn Dawe
I was very sorry to hear of Don’s passing – my deepest condolences to his family. I worked with Don at Parks Canada and I enjoyed the many conversations we had about sailing and food recipes. Rest in Peace Don.
I am so sorry to hear this news.. Don was a scholar and a gentleman. Always smiling, always willing to lend a helping hand and always willing to share his wisdom. He will be thought of fondly, spoken of often and greatly missed by all who had the pleasure to know him. Sincerest condolences to the family.
I am so deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Don. I worked with Don at Parks Canada for many years. He was always so helpful and pleasant, with a perpetual smile on his face. In those times when he needed a small favour – though that was rare because he was usually the one helping me out – he would exclaim ‘wunderbar!’ I’ve run into him since leaving Parks Canada and he always spoke so passionately about sailing. This is so truly heartbreaking. Don was one of those genuinely nice and kind people who took the time to help others. I am sending my heartfelt condolences to Don’s family and friends.
Don and I worked together at Signal Hill for many years and I came to know him as a kind and decent man who was passionate about his family and being a positive role model for his children. His love of history was infectious and he took great pride in sharing Newfoundland’s rich past with students and visitors alike.
Don was a fine person and I enjoyed having the opportunity to work with him along with discussing our shared passion for sailing. My Father was also an avid sailor and he always enjoyed Don’s company at the Yacht Club. I am sending my condolences to his entire family with a wish that in the days ahead you may find peace and solace in his memory.
Sincerely,
John
Heartfelt condolences to family and friends.
Pleasure to be in Don’s company with friends around a dinner table. A persistent and engaging smile that will not be soon forgotten.
Cindy
Sincere condolences to Don’s family at this difficult time.. His countless hours volunteering at the Marina are appreciated by many.. RIP Don.
Our sincere condolences to all of Dons family at this time .We’ve known Don for 40+ years and he’s always had that familiar smile whenever we met always a friend to everyone and a wealth of knowledge for sure ,he loved his adventures.Rip Don.
My sincere condolences to the family, a true gentleman and a friend to all that knew him.
I’ll miss you, my dear friend.
I am shocked to hear of Don’s passing and my condolences to all the family. Don and I went from grade 7 to 11 and I have many fond memories of those days. We crossed paths several times throughout our adult years. RIP Don
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this very difficult time.
I’m so sorry to read of Don’s Passing, we worked on projects together while he was with Parks Canada, interpretations Panels and various Signs, he was always a gentleman and an absolute pleasure to work with. My Deepest condolences to his Family and Friends.
I worked on many shows with Don during our Cable 9 days. Don’s sense of humour always made it a good time. My deepest sympathies to everyone in the family and circle of friends.
So very saddened to lean of Don’s passing.. He was always a sunny smile in the docks at TNYC, and a great contributor to the club. We send deepest condolences to his mother, children and family.
I have been acquainted with Don for about 30 years.
When I visited home in 2017, Don invited me to join him on his sail boat. We spent the weekend sailing around the islands near Trinity. We put ashore on Ireland’s Eye, where we spent the morning exploring.
Later we spent the afternoon cod jigging and caught a few fish for supper. There is nothing better than freshly caught cod and pan fried on a boat. That trip was one of the best highlights of my trip home that Don made possible.
My deepest condolences to all the Parsons family. Don, you will be sorely missed.
I have been acquainted with Don for about 30 years.
When I visited home in 2017, Don invited me to join him on his sail boat. We spent the weekend sailing around the islands near Trinity. We put ashore on Ireland’s Eye, where we spent the morning exploring.
Later we spent the afternoon cod jigging and caught a few fish for supper. There is nothing better than freshly caught cod and pan fried on a boat. That trip was one of the best highlights of my trip home that Don made possible.
My deepest condolences to all the Parsons family. Don, you will be sorely missed.
Pam and I soon made friends with Don when we became members of tnyc. After several trips “out the bay, ” Don became a valued and trusted friend. We both wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to Don’s family.
Pam and Derrick
To Effie and all of your son’s family
sending you my deepest sympathy in your time of loss and sorrow. Sincerely, Phyllis Beckett (Goobie)
I worked with Don in the late 1980s when I was a Parks Canada tour guide at Signal Hill. Don always had a smile on his face, he was always excited about a big idea or project he had on the go, and he was deeply curious about the world around him. My sincere condolences to Don’s family and many friends. Heather B.
Don was a good friend of SONRA for. many years and we will surely miss him.
Don was my across the street neighbour as a child in the 1960s and 70s.. Even back then, I remember he was always smiling. Years later I was an avid watcher of ” 30 Minute Menus” and still have it’s companion cookbook. My condolences to Don’s family
Very sorry to learn of Don’s passing. I enjoyed working with him at Parks Canada and always had a good yarn with him any time our paths crossed. Sincere condolences to all his family.
Sincere condolences to such a great man. Knowing Don for the last 35 years in Tourism and later in his love of the water he was so much fun to be around and brought the child out of all of us. He truly was a commodore that inspired all ! gonna miss you but will never forget you and your passionate stories that will be told for generations to come.
THE PARSONS FAMILY
We are saddened to hear of Don’s passing. Without a doubt, Don was a larger than life presence at the Terra Nova Yacht Club,. He put his heart and soul into everthing he did, and that big grin will stick with us for a long time. We wish him a pleasant voyage as he sets sail on his last passage to that distant shore. Fair winds my friend, and keep her “full and by”.
Jacob, Elise and the Parsons’ family,
I am very sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. A lot of my love for cooking and baking I got from watching your dad. Hold on to your precious memories. My condolences to the Parsons’ family. Take care.
Donna Rice-Parsons
Sending deepest sympathy and condolences to Dons family.
To the Family of Don and all who loved him, please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of a fine gentleman. My interactions with him through Cubs in the early 2000’s and near daily later at the John Cabot Building were always pleasant and something I always looked forward to. May your own pleasant memories help carry you all in your time of grief. Sincerely, Ken & Michelle, CBS
We were saddened to hear of Don’s passing and fondly remember his warm and welcoming smile when we visited TNYC over the years. We hope you can take comfort in a lifetime of wonderful memories in the days ahead and may he rest in peace.
Ken and Donna
To Don’s family and friends
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Dons passing. Our sincere condolences to you all. Don will be missed at TNYC and will be remembered as a wonderful member of the club who always greeted you with a smile
RIP Don. Always remembered. Never forgotten
Gil and June Boyce
I always enjoyed a yarn with Don on the dock. I will miss him Around the marina!
We’re so sorry to hear this sad news. We’ll remember Don’s smile, wealth of knowledge, and his countless volunteer hours at TNYC….you could always count on Don to be there and ready to get his hands dirty.
Sincerest condolences to the family.
Fair winds on eagles wings my friend.
Dean and Audrey
Condolences to Don’s family and friends from David Jarvis and Colette McDonald.
Derek and Mrs. Parsons
My sincere condolences on the passing of Don. My memories of Don are from 45+ years ago at your home on Topsail Road. While I didn’t know Don well at all, the obituary describes how I remember him- bright, adventurous, and a loyal and well loved friend to many.
May he rest in peace.
Our condolences to Don’s family and friends, so sorry for your loss. We have known Don for many years as a friend and valued member of the Terra Nova Yacht Club, he will be missed, rest in peace.
To the Parsons Family,
We are shocked to learn of Don’s passing. He had quite a presence in Holyrood and it has been a pleasure to know him.
We wish you strength and comfort during this difficult time.
With sincere condolences,
Greg and Calla Butler
Whether it was a chat on the dock, on the mooring, or at the TNYC executive table, Don was always a wealth of knowledge, and a trusted keeper of our history. His enthusiasm was always at the forefront of anything we ventured into for the betterment of the club. His steady voice and booming laugh will be missed. A fine sailor and a finer gentleman… to be sadly missed and fondly remembered. My sincere condolences to everyone.
Condolences to Don”s family ,I was very saddened to learn of his passing . May he rest in peace.
Our heartfelt condolences to the family. Don’s presence at the TNYC will be missed, he was a good friend to all that knew him. RIP Don.
Jacob, Elise, Aunt Mae and family.
There’s just no words to say I’m so sorry to hear of your Dads passing.
We didn’t see a lot of each other but we always enjoyed catching up at family gatherings.
He’s big smile and personality will be missed.
Rest in peace my dear cousin.
Mrs Parsons and family
Please except our sincere condolences on Don’s passing .Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time . The Button Family
Our deepest condolences for Don’s family and friends. We will miss him at the Holyrood Marina. RIP Don.
My condolences to the Parsons family.
Don’s kind demeanour and love of sailing welcomed me into the TNYC family about 10 years ago. Always offering a hand or thoughtful suggestion, his presence was seen throughout the club he loved.
He will be missed, but will be thought of often!
Fair winds and smooth sailing Don!
My deepest condolences on your loss. I met Don when my cousin and I bought a boat from him 10+ years ago. Don’s help through our first season was invaluable and reflected the selfless dedication I would see over the years volunteering with him at TNYC. My prayers are with the Parsons family as you mourn his loss.
My deepest condolences to the Parsons family.
Jane Delbene (Oliver)
London, U.K.
We are shocked and saddened to learn of Don’s passing. His ready smile and friendly demeanour were truly appreciated. He has done so much for Terra Nova Yacht club and his memory will live on in the improvements he has brought about there. He will never be replaced . Sending our sincere condolences to Don’s family and many close friends.
Steve and Veronica’.
So very sorry to hear of Don’s passing. He lived life to the fullest and enjoyed each and every day..May his family find comfort in the memories he has left behind.