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It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of Duane Gordon Parsonage, well known cattleman, on May 14, 2014, at the age of 58 years.
Duane is survived by his wife Corrine, mother Arlane, sister Kathi (Jim). He also leaves to mourn his son Codi Bozarth (Sherri), grandchildren Davin, Colin and Layla. Duane is also survived by nephews Scott, Thomas Jaroszuk, and Corrine’s numerous brothers, sisters and their families. Duane was predeceased by his brother Kim and father Gordon.
Duane was born at Innisfail Hospital on October 25th, 1955. Duane was a great lover of animals; his cattle, his horses, and especially his dog family, a love he and Corrine shared. Duane also enjoyed the fellowship of a large group of friends and cattlemen. Duane’s morning ritual was a series of phone calls to get the local news and discuss what was coming up next. Coffee, a visit and a joke were his favourite pastimes.
Duane was raised on the family farm north of Innisfail and took an interest in horses and cattle from the time he could walk. He had an eye for cattle and horses and it showed in the many accomplishments he achieved with as a budding rodeo champion as a young man, the many ribbons and championships won for Charolais bulls, and as one of a dwindling number of cattleman who worked from a horse’s back. The rhythm of his life moved with calving, moving cows, silaging, selling bulls, and delivering bulls. He took great pride in the quality of cattle that he and Corrine had built up.
Duane won many championships in local 4-H clubs as a child and served as leader of the local 4-H club later as a successful rancher.
He served on the Board of the Alberta Cattle Breeders Association and Calgary Bull Sale Committee. He was asked to judge many cattle shows and had the honour of judging the Hereford show at the 100th anniversary of the Calgary Bull Sale which returned Duane to the roots and path blazed by his pioneer grandfather, Bernard and father, Gordon. As a director for the Alberta Charolais Association, Duane oversaw the evolution of Charolais to global prominence. The championships he won and by the respect of his peers and customers were the direct result of his business mantra (NFAC).
Duane’s spirit for life and his outrageous sense of humour will live on in all of us. Duane was truly one of a kind. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
A memorial tribute was held at the Innisfail Arena on May 23rd, 2014. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Duane’s memory to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, the Red Deer SPCA, or the Red Deer Hospice Society. Heartland Funeral Services, Ltd., Innisfail entrusted with arrangements. Phone: 403-227-0006. www.heartlandfuneralservices.com