Gary W. Parsons

A life well lived unexpectedly ended on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025 for Gary W. Parsons, 86, of Weiser, Idaho.

Gary was born in Weiser, Idaho on Jan. 1, 1939 to Jewell and Walter “Timber” Parsons.

He graduated from Weiser High School when it was in the old Intermountain Institute in 1957.

He attended Oregon Technical Institute for two years and then returned to Weiser to work for his uncle, Don Morgan’s TV and Appliance, in the television repair business.

He married Judee (Neifert) on Aug. 1, 1960 and they were married for 65 wonderful years.

Gary was a passionate outdoorsman. He loved hunting, his bird dogs, fishing, boating, his motorbikes, fly tying, and tinkering with his 1925 Model T and 1947 Willy’s Jeep.  He was an avid fan of western movies and books. Another passion was helping his grandson race sprint cars on the dirt tracks.

Gary was an electronics expert for 35 years. Gary and Judee bought Weiser TV and Appliance, and he continued the business for the next 25 years where he worked on many residents’ electronics.

Gary was involved in the National Oldtime Fiddlers’ Contest since 1965 when he began helping his uncle with the sound equipment for the contest. He took that job over full-time in 1981. The third full week in June found Gary, Judee and their two girls, Cheri and Pam, contributing their time and talents at the contest. Gary and Judee were eventually inducted into the National Oldtime Fiddlers’ Contest Hall of Fame. Honoring all the years the Parsons family dedicated their time to promote and running the fiddlers contest they were honored in 1996 and 2000 as the parade grand marshals.

In 1987 the Weiser Chamber of Commerce honored Gary as Washington County’s Distinguished Citizen for the second quarter stating that he was very involved in many community activities and is very fond of his hometown and is a true believer in community pride.

He was a member of the Weiser Masonic Lodge and served as Associate Guardian of the Jobs Daughters. He served as president of the Weiser Merchants Committee and helped with the planting of trees in downtown Weiser. He was a charter member of the Weiser Jaycees. He was president of the Weiser Trap Club when they reorganized and developed their new range north of Weiser on Highway 95.

Gary also received the Civilian Service Medal and Certificate for personal assistance by a civilian in extending oneself beyond one’s own safety to provide prompt action to aid people who are in danger.

Gary was hard working and a dedicated family man.

Though he may not have liked being the center of attention, he deserves to have his long years of devotion to his family and his hometown recognized.

He was a man of integrity, kindness, and generosity and left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Eugene Parsons and granddaughter Shyann Gordon.

He is survived by his loving wife, Judee, his two daughters Cheri Lake and Pam (Andy) Howard, six grandchildren, Randy Lake, Kevin (Karla) Lake, Krysten (Mike) Lake, Ryan Lake, Vejay (Lorrie) Knott, Levi Knott, and eight great-grandchildren.

No service will be held.