Ronald James Parsons

Ronald Parsons
BornMay 8, 1926
Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada
DiedJuly 9, 1997
Canada
NSA memberCanada
1964 - 1970
1971 - 1974
ABMAmericas
1977 - 1984

Ronald James Parsons (May 8, 1926 - July 9, 1997) was a Canadian Bahá’í who served as a National Spiritual Assembly and Auxiliary Board member.

Biography[edit]

Parsons was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, in 1926. He served in the Royal Canadian Navy during the Second World War during his youth.[1]

In his personal life he married Rita Olive Blake in 1949 and they had four children. He was an active Christian becoming an ordained minister of the United Church of Canada in 1952 and served as a Minister in Ontario, Manitoba, and Alberta.[1][2] In his professional career he worked in education as a teacher, vice-principal, and principal.[3]

In 1961 Parsons became a Bahá’í. He was an active member of the Canadian community, serving on several Local Spiritual Assemblies,[1] and was elected to the National Spiritual Assembly in 1964 serving until 1970.[2] He was re-elected in 1971 and served again until 1974 and was appointed an Auxiliary Board member in 1977 serving until retiring in 1984.[4][5] He also authored two books and several articles on the Faith with his wife.[3]

Parsons passed away in Canada in 1997.[2] The Universal House of Justice conveyed the following message after his passing:

"The Universal House of Justice was grieved to learn ... of the passing of dear Ronald Parsons. His long years of distinguished service on the National Spiritual Assembly and as a member of the Auxiliary Board constitute an enduring contribution to the advancement of the Cause in Canada. Beyond this, his devotion to the Covenant and spirit of self-effacement touched the hearts of all who knew him."[6]

References[edit]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Baha'i Canada, Vol. 10(4), p 24
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 The Bahá’í World, An International Record. (1999). Bahá’í World Centre. Haifa. Volume 26 (1997-1998), Pg(s) 276. View as PDF.
  3. 3.0 3.1 The Bahá’í World, An International Record. (1999). Bahá’í World Centre. Haifa. Volume 26 (1997-1998), Pg(s) 277. View as PDF.
  4. Baha'i Canada, No.302, p 3
  5. Baha'i Canada, Vol.6(2), p 9
  6. Baha'i Canada, Vol. 10(4), p 23

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