Zane Nicholas Parsons was born on the family farm near Hardisty, AB, November 25, 1933 to George Bertram and Alvina Parsons. Even as a child Zane enjoyed spending time outside. He preferred hunting, fishing and farming over schoolwork.
In 1961 he married a young teacher from the Kinsella area, Marjorie Janet Rawluk, and they took up farming near Lougheed, and later north of Sedgewick. Zane was an innovative farmer, becoming one of the first people in the area to try no-till crop farming. He also raised pigs “The smell of money”, cattle, and kept a few horses to work the cattle along the Iron Creek.
Zane and Marjorie raised three children, Heather (Douglas), born 1963, Teresa, born 1965, and Brent (Hailey) born 1970. He was involved with their lives, hauling children and horses to 4-H and Pony Club, coaching Brent’s hockey team, and watching as they played various sports. He sang for many years with the Sedgewick United Church Choir, and was also a life-long member of the local Fish and Game Association.
Zane was a prolific reader, and was never without a book, often westerns or mysteries. He continued hunting and fishing his entire life. One year he complained that his arthritic knees made it impossible to continue traveling (Zane and Marj had been to England, Portugal, Spain, France, China and all across North America), but that same year he still managed to hunt a deer and drag it a long distance across a snowy field! He showed a surprisingly artistic side, becoming self taught at carving duck decoys and songbirds, he also taught himself to tie fishing flies.
Through the years five grandchildren followed: Danelle, Kaitlin, Joey, Audrey and Avery. The grandchildren were taken fishing, and taught how to shoot using the basement as a shooting range. Zane also has five great-grandchildren: Lily, Mira, Brooks, Nora and Luke.
Zane loved adventure. Some of his favorite stories involve his attempt at hang gliding in Mexico, or fishing alone in the mountains where his path crossed wolves, bears and cougars. He drove too fast, had strong opinions on every topic, hated having his picture taken, and believed in hard work.
Zane passed away September 26th, 2026 at the Killam Long Term Care at the age of 92 years, 10 months. He hated being old and feeble, and we rejoice knowing that God is able to make all things new, young and strong again.
Zane’s memorial will be held Monday, November 9th/26 at 2:00 pm at the Sedgewick Nazarene Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Cross Cancer Institute or a charity of your choice.
