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Note: The following is an article for the 1982 edition of Golden Memories and was written by Diane Parson Aylesworth with the aid of her father, Cecil Parson. Cecil passed away in 1983.
``Leaving their respective homes in Eng-land and Australia far behind, Gertrude and Charles Parson moved to settle in Golden in 1894.
Though Charles, who like his predeces-sors before him, had chosen the seas as a way of life, fate had determined another path for him. Because the accident-al explosion of a torpedo left him injured with a concussion and subsequent speech impediment, this young naval sub-lieu-tenant was forced to seek a new future. He married a young widow with a small child and together they emigrated to Can-ada to join his brother Harry. (Harry was employed by the government to help sur-vey the Banff National Park). Upon arriv-ing in Victoria Charles was hired by Fred Jones to work as an accountant in Golden's Columbia River Lumber Mill. He worked at this position for about twenty years. He was also the district customs officer for a short period until he became the post-master for Golden. He filled this position until his death in 1941.
It is of historical interest that brother Harry joined him in Golden, and in addi-tion to having the local General Store, owned property twenty miles south of Golden. During the days of river travel, a stop was made at the Parson's farm for refueling and replenishing fresh meat. It is from this old hog and cattle ranch locale that the town of Parson is now located.
Four children were born to Gertrude and Charles: Gordon, Allan, Cecil and Phyllis. Cecil was the only one to stay on and make his home in Golden.
In 1927 Cecil was married to Edel Kris-tine Myrthu. She was the daughter of a Danish family from Standard, Alberta. (Her father, Jens Myrthu, was one of four men sent by the Lutheran Church from Iowa, U.S.A. to establish a new Luther-an colony near what is now Gleichen, Alberta. Instead, they settled in what is now the community of Standard).
These were depression years and dur-ing this time Cecil was employed by the C.P.R. and for a period acted as timekeeper during the construction of the Big Bend Highway. Finally he assisted his father in the post office, and upon his father's death became postmaster. He continued to work here until his retirement in 1969.
Edel was a graduate nurse from the Calgary General hospital, and in the 1950's joined the local doctors to become the first nurse affiliated with the Golden Clinic.
Three children were born to Cecil and Edel: Gordon in 1928; Norman in 1930; and Diane in 1941.
Edel and Cecil were very active in community life and were particu1arly involved in St Paul's Anglican Church. Cecil was one of the original members of the Lion´s Club and has been a longtime curler.
Cecil's retirement years have been spent in good health, and he has been able to enjoy spending his time huckleberry picking, gardening, fishing and bowling.´´
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