Parsons

Daniel A. Parsons, beloved son of Mona and Robert A. Parsons, passed away peacefully Jan. 12 in Petaluma, Calif.

Daniel remained optimistic about his cancer diagnosis. His attitude and good humor were an inspiration to everyone who knew him.

Danny was born in Kittanning at the Armstrong Memorial Hospital on Dec. 31, 1950, the year of the "big" snow.

He graduated from Butler High School in 1969. In 1973, Daniel obtained his first of two bachelor's degrees in religious studies and art from Westminster College. The second degree in geology was earned at Sonoma State University in 1999.

In 1974, Danny moved to California. There he worked as an artist (watercolorist, craftsman, sculptor, expert contour artist and photographer), taught art classes at a private elementary school and became a staff member at "Common Ground," a monthly magazine. Danny regularly contributed articles and artwork to the magazine.

Daniel profoundly loved and was fascinated by the natural world and everything he created was done with precision, beauty and the highest aesthetic. His sense of humor, command of the English language and his overall amazing intelligence made him a joy to be around.

His interest in geology grew out of a life-long interest in science. After receiving his geology degree, Daniel worked as a geologist for Environmental Research Inc.

Dan always was a seeker of truth, pressing the envelope in experiencing life to the fullest.

In the last 10 years, he embraced Tibetan Buddhism, a student of Tsoknyi Rinpoche. He took on the practice with a fervor that was remarkable. His dedication and depth of practice is rare for a westerner, and his family and friends believe it was due to this superb practice that Daniel died an exemplary death. He was surrounded by loved ones, conscious, in meditation and peaceful to the end.

Daniel is survived by a son, Carson Bentley; his mother, Mona Parsons; a sister, Susan Parsons; a brother, Andrew Parsons and his wife, Ann; a niece, Anna Spears; and two nephews, Max Spears and William Parsons.

Daniel was preceded in death by his brother, Robert William, and father, Robert Arthur Parsons.

<B>PARSONS</B> — A memorial service for Daniel A. Parsons, who died Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2010, is being planned for May in California. Daniel arranged to have his ashes scattered by his closest friends at one of his favorite places to hike in Northern California.