Obituary of Bev Parlee

It is with deep sadness that the family of Beverly Wallace Parlee announces his passing on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at his home. Born in Rockville, NB, on March 27, 1939, Beverly was the son of the late George and Sarah (Sadie) (Wallace) Parlee.

Bev will be lovingly remembered by his children: Kim (John) Cook of Seattle, WA, Heather (Joe) Lynch of Truro, NS, Alanna Tozer of Sussex, NB, and Wallace (Tara Bennett) Parlee of Saint John, NB; his grandchildren: Christi (Loran), Caitlin, and Caleb (Lindsay) Cook, Colson and Zach Tozer, and Serena and Mia Parlee; He is also fondly remembered by his bonus grandchildren: Rowan and Avery Bennett, and Sophia Gosselin. He was excitedly awaiting the arrival of Caleb’s first child (his first great-grandchild) later this year. Beverly is survived as well by several nieces and nephews. 

Besides his parents, Bev was predeceased by his loving wife, Linda, and his granddaughter, Courtney Faith Cook.

Throughout his life, Bev worked in a wide variety of occupations. He left high school to work with his father and grandfather in the lumber camps, where he learned to cook. Over the years he often joked that he was “a jack of all trades and a master of none,” though those who knew him understood how capable and hardworking he truly was. His early jobs included working in his Uncle Nelson’s food store beginning at age 11, as well as positions in a feed store, as a delivery driver, in a sawmill, and in several office roles including office manager and bookkeeper. He also worked for Canadian Tire, McCain Foods, Modern Business College in Saint John (as a bookkeeping instructor), Irving, and Summit Electric, and spent time as a school bus driver.

In 1973 Bev and his father formed a company selling lawn and garden equipment, chain saws, etc, later expanding to a Convenience Store, Take Out and Gas Station, which they operated until 1987. He became a Construction Millwright in 1974 and an Industrial Mechanic in 1980. This took him around the Maritime Provinces including Pulp and Paper Mills, Dover Flour, Irving Refinery, Point Lepreau Nuclear Plant, Belldune Power Plant, etc. He was deeply involved with the Millwright Union, serving as the Union President. 

His final career was as truck owner/operator with Kingsco Transport – a job he often said he wished he could return to. He loved sharing stories from his travels across Canada and the United States. 

Bev was also proud of his service in the army reserves where he learned to drive the tanks. 

Linda was the love of his life. They had been married 56 years, when she passed in 2022 and he has missed her terribly since. 

Christ was the cornerstone of Bev’s life since being saved at a Billy Graham crusade in his early 20’s. He was an active member of Encounter Church. He also gave generously of his time to his community. He served on the public school board, was Chairman and a member of the Sussex Christian School Board, and was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #76 in Norton, the Kings County Historical Society, and Samaritan’s Purse Canada. 

In his later years, one of Bev’s greatest joys was his weekly “Pshaw Night” with friends at The Sugar Shack. These gatherings meant a great deal to him, and he rarely missed the chance be with the men who became so important in his life.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, NB (506-433-1176) from where there will be a visitation held on Wednesday, April 15 from 4-7pm. A celebration of Bev’s life will be held on Thursday, April 16 at 1:00pm from Encounter Church (Sussex Wesleyan) at 280 St. George St, Sussex, NB (506-433-3500).

Donations in memory of Beverly may be made to Samaritan’s Purse Canada, the Canadian Diabetic Association, The Heart & Lung Association, or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences to the family and donations may be made through wallacefuneralhome.com.