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Harold Parfitt Obituary
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Phil Jeffries
July 17, 2006
Dear Pat, Karen and Beverly,
Please accept condolences from the Jeffries family.
Harold's obit appeared in today's Times-News.
The last times we saw you all was at Gulla's at William & Elizabeth's services.
I remember visiting them with my grandmother "Maggie" Jeffries as a 5 year old and playing with a hat from Harold's West Point days.
Harold was a great guy and made me feel at ease when serving him as a funeral director. He out ranked this former Sp5 by a whole lot but I felt I was serving a friend.
He even got me a set of maps of the Beltzville dam to assist in my fishing the new lake.
He was a great person whose coal region roots served him well through a distinguished career.
For our family.
Sincerely,
Phil Jeffries Jr.
[email protected]
Richard Wainio
June 17, 2006
Dear Mrs. Parfitt and family:
Along with thousands of others, I was saddened to hear of the passing of Governor Parfitt. At the same time, I was heartened by the fond thoughts that flooded my head as I recalled my wonderful memories of him. Mrs. Parfitt, you may remember that, as a young economist employed by the Canal, I had the great honor and pleasure to travel with you and Governor Parfitt on a trip to the Far East to visit Canal customers. Of the many memories of that trip, one stands out. We arrived at Tokyo's Narita airport. The two of you were whisked off in a limosene by Mitsubishi representatives and I was loaded, along with their lower level staff, into a small car with all the luggage. Arriving in front of the hotel late at night after that very long trip, I was struggling with luggage when Governor Parfitt ran over and grabbed not only his bag but mine and carried them into the hotel. The Japanese looked on incredulously as the General carried my bags!! That night a Mitsubishi representive came to my hotel room just to ask: "Is General Parfitt really General?" Puzzled, I responded: "Of course, but why do you ask?" In classic Japanese/English he blurted out: "He can't be General -- he TOO NICE! It was just one more example of Governor Parfitt's humility and kindness and the wonderful affect he had on people everywhere.
With great fondness,
Richard Wainio
Jim Scully
June 9, 2006
Dear aunt Pat, Karen and Bev,
It would be impossible to count the many fond memories of uncle Hal. Just three weeks ago I was in Panama and went by the old HQ building. The one high on that liitle hill. It was a strange feeling realizing all the times uncle Hal must have gone into and out of that complex. He will be missed by all and I know I speak for the entire extended family when I say we thank you both for all the times you were there for us, both in good times and difficult times. My prayers and thoughts are with you. Love, Jim Scully
Clea Efthimiadis
June 9, 2006
Dear Parfitt Family:
I wish I had the eloquence to properly eulogize in writing the passing of great man whose life has had a profound impact on who I am today. Your husband and father was always my hero. He earned my respect and admiration by his conduct and deeds and I would have followed him into any battle as my leader.
I was just a Brownie in the Girl Scouts, when I first met him and your family. At that time he was the Lieutenant Governor of the Canal Zone. He and you all made it a point to welcome the Girl Scouts into your home for an Easter Egg Hunt that was shared that morning with our Panamanian counterparts the Muchachas Guias. Looking back, what an incredible diplomat and statesman he was even then. This Easter Egg Hunt occurred a year after the Riots of 1964 and during a time when our own country was having its own share of civil unrest. Clearly. this was evidence of a man ahead of his time who not only opened his home when he did not have to but encouraged us as Brownies to make new friends even if we couldn't speak each other's language. What a beautiful lesson I learned that day about cultural differences.
While serving as Governor, he was at its helm during Watergate and the negotiations of the Panama Canal Treaties. During both these turbulent times in our country's history his core values of honesty, duty, service, respect, courage, and honor served him well as he conducted the daily civil affairs of running the Canal Zone as its Governor, the business affairs of operating the Panama Canal Company as its President, and our military affairs as our Commander in Chief (CINC) of the Canal Zone. The simplicity of the way he conducted himself in his public and private affairs was evident daily. We all knew the Governor had a driver to take him to work, yet when the Isthmus weather permitted it, we all saw him walking up and down Ancon Hill --to and from work. He led by example. He was an honest man. He said what he meant and he meant what he said whether speaking to friends or employees. He never failed to wave to us as we passed him in our school bus. He was a humble man despite his powerful position.
As a father and devoted husband his concern and love for his family was clearly evident to me. During one Fourth of July on the Isthmus, the Governor was mistakenly notified that the bust of Vasco Nunez de Balboa, which was constantly subjected to vandalism in front of Balboa High School, was under attack yet again and the perpetrator, he was told, was his own daughter Bev. Like any concerned father, he rushed right down to Balboa High School to deal with the situation. You could clearly see the relief on his face when he finally realized that his daughter and her friends were not, in fact. vandalizing the bust but merely adorning it with festive red, white and blue bunting. You see his family shared his core values.
As a young adult I was a maverick in my personal views about the impending treaties and what I perceived as my country's betrayal of promises to never surrender the Canal Zone. I am certain that I personally contributed to a few of those the gray hairs the Governor started sporting early on his head in the late 70s, when as Editor of the Canal Zone College's "Deviled Ham" newspaper I ran a slogan brashly proclaiming the "Deviled Ham" newspaper as the only Free Press on the Isthmus and even demanded from the Governor's staff a press pass to cover the senatorial visits to the Isthmus during the treaty negotiations. Our school's Dean had made it clear to me that the Governor was not pleased with my lack of diplomacy during highly volatile and politically sensitive times but nevertheless he had made a decision because his personal belief in our Country's First Amendment right, he would not censor us and would allow us to continue running our slogan. He only asked the Dean to impress upon us, that as journalists we must act responsibly in reporting the news. I got my press pass for Jimmy Carter's historical visit to Panama and learned a truly important civics lesson from our Governor.
He was also instrumental in helping me getting into law school more than twenty years ago. And joining the Navy upon graduating from law school was an easy decision --I had grown-up in a community where its leadership from the top down personified many of those core values that make our country great. I also wanted to be a part of those values and to share those values with others that I came into contact with, as Governor Parfitt had done during his life in the Canal Zone.
Today, I am civilian attorney working for the United States Army in Kuwait, supporting our troops in our fight against the Global War on Terrorism as we execute Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and Enduring Freedom and I continue to share those same core values I learned from your husband and father values like duty, honor, service, respect, and courage. He was a patriot and served our country honorably.
My prayers and thoughts are with all of you.
Col. Paul P. Coroneos, USA (Ret.)
June 8, 2006
Dear Mrs. Parfitt,
Harriet and I had the pleasure and honor to serve with the General and you during the Treaty Negotiations. We met many times and attended inumerable official functions with you. In those times I looked to him for assistance and advice many times and he never failed me. May his memory and contributions to the Army and his Country be eternal.
Mike Gordon
June 6, 2006
Dear Mrs. Parfitt and Family:
Please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of mybe the finest man I ever knew in my lifetime. You will probably hear this repeatedly in this forum but he was my heroe. I was privileged to serve under "the Governor" and must tell you I will never forget his wise, fairhanded and unassuming method of leadership while never leaving any doubt who the "Boss" was. I treasure my memories of you both and will miss him. My familie's prayers are with you all. Sincerely, Mike and Mary Gordon
Burt and Carol Mead
June 6, 2006
Dear Mrs. Parfitt and family, We were saddened to hear the news of Governor Parfitt's passing. As former employees of the Panama Canal, we look and think back to those trying times of the late 1970's when Governor Parfitt's care, compassion, guidance, and leadership made the Treaty situation bearable. He was a hero to the entire workforce, and this was obvious when the "community" said their farewell to you both at that hanger at Albrook Field. His memory will last forever in the hearts of those of us who worked at the Canal during his terms as Lt. Governor and Governor. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Karin Pitman
June 5, 2006
Dear Bev, Karen and "Mom",
It was sad to hear the news of Gov. Parfitt (as I remember him) passing away. Your family has been and continues to hold a very special place in my heart, and I hope I am able to bring you even a small portion of the healing your presence at my father's funeral brought to me. I wish I could have been there for your anniversary last year and the memorial this year (so may try to get to the service in July). Your lives have all been such great examples to me of what a loving family is and I'll be eternally grateful for the way you included me in that. I am praying for all of you during this time of grieving--and I wish the miles weren't so far between us so I could do much more than that.
Love and blessings,
Karin
Elaine Eilers
June 4, 2006
Dear Aunt Pat, Karen and Beverly:
Scott and I thank you for your kindness shown to us the day of the Memorial Service. In your grief, you made us feel so welcome. The special memories of Uncle Hal expressed by the many attendees that day, only confirmed what we all know. Uncle Hal was a wonderful man in every way. We will never forget him. Know that all of you are in our prayers. With love,
Gary, Elaine, Scott and Steven Eilers
Fr. Jim Sichko
June 2, 2006
Dear Mrs. Parfitt, Karen and Family:
Even though I did not know your husband/father, I am blessed to have met Karen and share a church with your relatives, Kathy Hatton and family.
When one member of our church family suffers a death; we all suffer.
Please know that your extended family in Richmond/Lexington, Kentucky are with you in prayer and support.
Blessings,
Fr. Jim Sichko
Regina McKnight
June 1, 2006
Dear Aunt Pat, Karen and Beverly, Butch and I are so sorry. Uncle Hal was such a good, kind man. So humble, yet engaging. We loved just talking to him. I know that he is resting now in the arms of our Heavenly Father. We love you.
Robert Will
June 1, 2006
Dear Mrs. Parfitt and family,
I would like to express my sincere sorry for your loss.
I was an Electrician for the Panama Canal Company and was honored to decorate the Governors house every Christmas during the Generals tenure as Governor. I have told many freinds over the years about a day I was decorating the house and your father was visiting you for the holidays. He was watching my helper and I work and about lunch time invited in the house for a bowl of ice cream. When Govenor came in saw us eating ice cream in his kitchen, as usual he only had kind words to say.
In closing, I would say, without doubt, your husband was the best and most respected man to ever serve as Govenor.
Sincerely,
Robert Will
Jim Des Londes
June 1, 2006
The character of leadership displayed by Gov. Parfitt during the first phase of the turn over of the US controled Panama Canal/Canal Zone was one of the reasons the final turn-over in 1999 was so successful. Both Gov. and Mrs Parfitt will always be rememebred as the finest 1st couple of the "Zone" by those who knew them.
PS. Karen's book, Ten Minutes To Norma, is the best book I have ever read. I am passing around six copies to former employees of the Canal. Anyone interested in our political system should read this book.
Alberto Aleman Zubieta
June 1, 2006
On behalf of the Panama Canal Authority employees, we wish to extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Governor Parfitt. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Valentine Lynch Jr.
May 31, 2006
I began working for the Panama Canal in 1975. What with treaty negotiations, labor unrest, and eventually the treaty signing and implementation it was a turbulent time. Throughout all the turbulence Governor Parfitt was facilitating the change while at the same time calming the turbulence and leading and encouraging the Canal workforce to continue its time honored tradition of keeping faith with the community while maintaining high performance standards at the Canal. As a junior employee I was in awe of the many leaders that participated in that era, and Governor Parfitt was one of the most notable. I offer my sympathy and prayers to his family and want them to know that it was an honor to work with him in the great labor that is the Panama Canal.
Bob Russell
May 30, 2006
Mrs. Parfitt and family, please accept our deepest sympathy on the passing of Gen. Parfitt. He was a true leader and we will always remember him as the "Governor" who cared about the Canal workforce. We still remember the community farewell at the Curundu Helicopter Hanger where the Zone community expressed its appreciation for Gen. Parfitt's service. He did it "his way" and we are grateful that he did so. Our prayer is that the Lord will comfort you during this time of mourning. God bless you. Bob & Cheryl Russell
Vicki McCoy
May 30, 2006
I was an employee of the Panama Canal who had the privilege of writing for Governor Parfitt during my first year on the job. I wrote a Christmas message from the Governor to all employees at the height of changes under the Panama Canal Treaty. Governor Parfitt came down to my office to personally thank me for my words. It was and still is the highlight of my Federal career--that a man of his stature would take the time to express his appreciation. He was a great man, and we all knew it. I was honored to work for him, and I mourn his passing with you, his family. What a legacy he leaves behind.
Davis Stevenson
May 30, 2006
General you were a tru gentleman. The last years of the Canal Zone were years full of problems, you handled them with firmess and a sense of fairplay to all concerned. Your tenure led to the many benefits for those who were affected by the treaty. Sir,you leave a legacy that will be tough to follow.
Phoebe Scully Conerly
May 30, 2006
Aunt Pat, Karen, Bev. I was very saddened at the news of Uncle Hals death. A. Pat you and U. Hal were so wonderful to me when I lost my first son. I also remember the many times that U. Hal, mom and I sang together those wonderful Christian hymns. U. Hal is up in heaven with Daddy and Momma. My thoughts and prayers will always be with you all.
Fridl Scully
May 29, 2006
Dear Pat and family,
It seems just a few years ago we were sharing such good times together in Ft. Belvoir.I can see you right now coming down the chapel aisle on Frank's arm. I will always admire Hal's courage to live up to his convictions. He was such a wonderful man and will be missed. I know well the pain you feel right now. Trust me that your faith, family and friends you will help you make it thru.
My love to Karen & Beverly. We will keep in touch,
Fridl
Debi Scully-Wilcher
May 29, 2006
Aunt Pat, karen and Beverly, Uncle Hal was such a special person and a wonderful man. I will always admire his quiet confidence and generous spirit. May the memories that you hold close sustain you through this difficult time. All our love Debi Scully-Wilcher and family
Kimberly Scully Wesley
May 29, 2006
Aunt Pat, Beverly, Karen and families,
Our hearts are with you. You and our country have lost a true hero and a very good man in Uncle Hal. I will always remember his gentle voice talking to us as children and his wonderful smile that lit up his eyes. We will keep all of you in our prayers.
Kim, Ray, James and Sarah
Nick Berezniak
May 29, 2006
Coaldale, Pa. lost a favorite son. May his memory be eternal.
May 29, 2006
Mrs. Parfitt, Bev & Karen,
Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. I have so many wonderful memories of times spent with your family. General Parfitt was not only a decorated and highly respected military hero, but I will remember him as a kind, gentle man with a big heart, a great sense of humor and warm smile.
I love you, always,
Nanci
Val Unger
May 28, 2006
Dear Aunt Pat, Bev,and Karen,
We are so deeply saddened to have lost such a wonderful person in our lives. Our memories of him are so special that he will live in our hearts forever. He was a truly unique person who was able to blend his complete love of family, country and God seemlessly. His legacy lives on through Bev and Karen. We will miss him forever - he was our hero.
With love always,
Val Anne, Jim, and Jami
Sherry, Sonny, Shane, and Shelly Moore
May 28, 2006
Aunt Pat, Karen, and Bev: My thoughts and prayers are with you and I wish I could have been at the service. I have fond memories of visits when Uncle Hal was in Vietnam and you all were in Lexington. It seems we were all anxiously awaiting his return. Later, I always looked forward to family reunions and visits. Uncle Hal was so interesting and a true American. Remember our thoughts and prayers are with you, we love you, and hope to see you in July.
Kathy and Gayle Hatton
May 27, 2006
Aunt Pat and family, Know that our hearts break with you as we share in your loss. You are in our prayers.
Erin Byrd
May 27, 2006
Beverly and Daddy,
My prayers, sympathies, and thoughts are with you and yours through this difficult time. I pray that God will fill you with peace, and that you will keep your eyes turned upwards through the storm. I am so glad that I got to spend the little time that I did with your father. The few times I did get to know him, I was impressed and knew that I was in the presence of a wonderful man. I love you both beyond words. I just wish I could have made it up there to pay my respects.
Martin Soy
May 27, 2006
Like others, I know Beverly through my professional career, and Karen through her book. Harold accomplished many things in his life; raising such fine people as his daughters has to be his best. We Americans need to thank those who dedicate their lives to serving and protecting us, men such as Harold Parfaitt. May God welcome Harold to eternity, and rest his soul.
Kyle Byrd
May 26, 2006
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We love you!
Kyle, Robin and family
Don Smith, CDR USN Ret
May 26, 2006
Beverly: You and your family are in my prayers, especially during this Memorial Day holiday. I know your dad was proud of the success you and Karen made of your lives, as you were proud of his service. I now know why you are so supportive of our Servicemen!!!
Kenneth & Joan Cole
May 26, 2006
Our codolences to Beverly, Karen,& family. We knew Beverly through our daughter Brenda in Dallas. We knew Karen through her book.
Brenda Cole
May 26, 2006
My prayers are with you during this very difficult time. Beverly, your parents made me feel at home when I first moved to Dallas, inviting me to share Thanksgiving dinner with you all. They were my parents away from home and to find out their anniversary was the same as my parents, Wow!
Love you guys,
Charles Hummer
May 25, 2006
My prayers are with the Parfitt family. Governor Parfitt is a hero of mine and he gave so much to his country and those of us who lived and worked in the Panama Canal Zone.
Vicki Sizemore
May 25, 2006
I had the pleasure of working with Govenor Parfitt the year the Torrijos Carter Treaty took effect. As President of the then Gatun Civic Council I stood to his left during the ceremony at Cristobal High School lowering the US Flag for the last time.He was a caring, intelligent, compassion
man and it was an honor to work with him during that very difficult time.
William Graham
May 25, 2006
To General Parfitt's family: Our sincere condolences to all. He was truly a wonderful person and served his country and the Panama Canal Zone admirably.Susanne and William R. Graham
Glenn J. Campbell
May 25, 2006
A Patriot, A Hero, A Man of Faith,
A Leader, A Father ...
A Life Well Lived ..
Will Morris
May 25, 2006
I will always have fond memories of "my last Governor" during my time spent in the Canal Zone. General Parfitt also played an integral part of my life, as I received and accepted the last Appointment to the Naval Academy from the Governor of the Canal Zone. Will Morris BHS "78; USNA "82
Richard, Deana, Abbie & Madison Betik
May 24, 2006
Beverly and Family,
May God be with you and your family in this dificult time. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. I'm sorry Beverly that I couldn't attend the service for your dad. You were so kind to us when our dad passed away and I'll never forget that. Please know that we are always there for you.
Dr. Joseph Peterson
May 24, 2006
Blessings and prayers to you and your family during your loss. Although I didn't know him, he sounds like a wonderful being who served his family, nation, friends, and strangers well.
My deepest condolances.
Edna Hostetler
May 24, 2006
You are in our thoughts and prayers, please call if you need anything.
Love,
Edna and Bobby
Glenna Walker
May 24, 2006
My prayers are with you during this time of great sorrow.
bobby Winford Jr.
May 24, 2006
Our Sincere condolences from the Bobby L. Winford Family and children.
Vicki Garrett
May 24, 2006
Beveryly and family,
My prayers go out to you and your entire family. Your memories of him will keep him close to your heart as you grieve your loss!
Marilyn Hunt
May 24, 2006
We just heard of Hal's death and are very sad. The Parfitt's are dear people to the Hunt clan. Hal was a very special man and Dick admired and enjoyed working with him so much. My love and prayers to Pat, Karen, Bev and all the family.
Adrian
May 24, 2006
I am very sorry for your loss. Mr. Parfitt was a great man and I am honored to have known him. I pray that God will bless you and your family in this time of sorrow and that you find comfort in the love and support of your family and friends. Your memories of him will help you find joy and laughter at the most difficult times. Prayers, Love and Hugs
Sandy Hill
May 24, 2006
You are all in my thoughts and prayers in the loss of your beloved. May your loving memories bring you comfort and knowing he is with our Heavenly Father bring you peace.
Cheryl Holt
May 24, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Sue Hunt-Perry
May 24, 2006
I have very fond memories of Gen. & Mrs. Parfitt from the Canal Zone. My parents enjoyed the friendship as well as the partnership that was essential to care for the Canal Zone on all levels. And as a crazy teen during those years -- the Parfitts always made me feel welcome in their home. I have many wonderful memories that will never be forgotten.
My prayers are with Mrs. Parfitt, Karen and Beverly & family.
Sandy Merrick
May 24, 2006
AuntPat, Karen & Bev,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of loss. Even though distance has separated us I have some wonderful memories of Uncle Hal. I still have the postcard he sent me when he was overseas and you all lived in Lexington. May the Lord be with you all during this time.
Love,
Sandy, Rick & Nicole Merrick
Lesley Hendricks
May 24, 2006
My thoughts and prayers go out to Gov. Parfitt's family during this very sad time.
Carlton A. Morris
May 24, 2006
Thank you Governor/General Parfitt for the service to your country and service as the last U.S. Governor of the Canal Zone. You are a real American Hero. RIP.
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