A Message of Apology from Wallace Funeral Home

To the family and friends who were planning to watch Mac's funeral serve via livestream, we offer our most heartfelt and sincere apology.

Due to an error on our part, the funeral service was not livestreamed as planned, and unfortunately the service was not recorded. We know that many of you were relying on the livestream to be present with the family and to honour the life of your loved one from afar. We deeply regret that we failed to provide that opportunity.

We understand that a funeral service is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to gather, remember, and say goodbye. We are truly sorry for the disappointment and heartache this has caused to those who were unable to attend in person.

Please accept our sincere apologies. We share in your disappointment and are deeply sorry that we fell short of the standard of care and service that families have every right to expect from us.

Thank you for your grace, understanding, and patience during this difficult time.

It is with profound sadness, yet with gratitude for a life well lived, that we announce the passing of Malcolm Robert Parlee, affectionately known by all as “Mac.” Mac passed away peacefully on July 16, 2026, at the age of 85, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, laughter, hard work, and love.

Born on January 6, 1941, in Dutch Valley, NB, Mac was the son of the late Edward and Helen (Carr) Parlee. From an early age, he developed the determination, curiosity, and strong work ethic that would define his life.

Mac was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He shared 57 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, the late Winnona (Johnston) Parlee. Together, they built a life filled with family, adventure, and countless memories. He was a proud and loving father to Lenora and son-in-law David Murray, and nothing brought him greater joy than being “Grampie” to his granddaughters, Hannah and Sarah, who were truly the apples of his eye.

In October 2018, Mac found love again and married Shirley White. Together, they enjoyed many happy years and created new memories. He will also be lovingly remembered by Shirley’s family: Vicki White, Trent White (Shelly), and Loralie Fanjoy (Bill Wickborn), along with their families.

Mac is survived by his sisters, Marye Wright of Hamilton, Ontario, and Phyllis Folkins of Hamilton, Ontario and many nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his brothers Elmer and James; sisters Margaret, Eleanor, Joan, Ruth and Connie; sister-in-law Velma Parlee; brothers-in-laws Bud Folkins, Joe Taylor, and Archie Archibald; nephews Richard Parlee, David Folkins, Tom Parlee and Stephen Parlee; and nieces Eleanor Hawkes, Mary Jane Goddard, and Beth Voutour.

Mac believed life was meant to be enjoyed. He and Winnie shared a love of travel and adventure, escaping many winters together with 23 memorable trips to Florida. Their travels also took them to beautiful destinations including Hawaii, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Jamaica, Texas, and Cuba. After Winnie’s passing, Mac continued exploring and created new memories with Shirley, including a special trip to Cayo Coco, Cuba, followed by many enjoyable road and bus trips.

Music, dancing, and good times were always close to Mac’s heart. He loved playing “the spoons” whenever the opportunity arose and, in his younger years, was an accomplished step dancer who won numerous competitions. During his winter getaways, he became an enthusiastic shuffleboard player, proudly bringing home trophies that reflected both his skill and competitive spirit. Mac enjoyed playing cards, four wheeling with Winston and Paul, Breakfast Club and coffee club with his buddies.  But more than that, he enjoyed playing Sussex Monopoly and Sequence with his family.  Mac had a wonderful sense of humor and a gift for making people smile.

Mac also had a strong interest in politics and current events. He was a dedicated supporter and member of both the Federal and Provincial Liberal Party. A lifelong learner, Mac stayed informed by reading the Telegraph Journal and Kings County Record from the first page to the last.

A man of ambition and determination, Mac built an impressive career through hard work and perseverance. After leaving school, he worked at Wallace Manufacturing in the mill, as a mechanic for Milton Buchanan, and as a machine operator at the Government garage. He later took a leap into entrepreneurship by purchasing a backhoe and beginning his own excavation business. His vision and dedication led to the creation of Apohaqui Excavators Ltd.

Mac was a true craftsman when it came to operating machinery. He was highly skilled with backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-load crawlers, and dump trucks, taking great pride in maintaining his equipment himself in his garage in Apohaqui. His hard work also led him into other ventures, including hauling logs, owning a tire shop, and selling Sno-Jet snowmobiles. Mac was a man who was always looking ahead, always working, and always tinkering on something.

After receiving his pacemaker, Mac decided it was time to retire. He and Winnie moved to Sussex to be closer to Hannah and Sarah, building a home just two streets away so he could be part of their everyday lives. Later, he made another move in Sussex with Shirley, where they continued their journey together.

Mac’s legacy will live through the stories shared, the laughter remembered, and the many lives he touched. His kindness, generosity, determination, and deep love for his family will never be forgotten.  Mac was a fighter and he fought a good fight with dignity!

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, NB (506-433-1176) from where visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, from 11 to 2:00PM followed immediately by a Celebration of Mac’s life at 2:00PM from Wallace Community Chapel.

The family has asked that donations in memory of Mac be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of the donor's choice. Personal condolences to the family and donations may be made through wallacefuneralhome.com.