Submitted by the San Juan Island Community Foundation

Eric Parsons, beloved leader and friend of the San Juan Island Community Foundation staff and board, passed away on Jan. 9.

Parsons was recruited to join the board of SJICF in January 2016. His fellow board members and the SJICF staff quickly realized Parsons was the type of leader who could help the foundation evolve and grow. He was elected board chairman in July 2017.

Parsons’ warmth and welcoming style helped create a strong sense of community at the foundation, especially with and among the nonprofit organizations. He generously dedicated his time, advice and knowledge while serving on a wide variety of committees at the foundation.

Above all, he was a kind, gracious and generous leader and neighbor.

Carrie Unpingco, executive director at SJICF said, “I was fortunate to work closely with Eric as he helped transform the foundation from primarily board-driven to a much more staff-run organization. Because of his quiet but effective guidance and expertise, we’re stronger than ever and positioned for growth. Eric was an exceptionally generous and excellent mentor. We will miss his skillful leadership and his wonderful stories about the time he spent with his wife Janet and his children and grandchildren on San Juan Island. He will be greatly missed by our board, staff and all who knew him.”

To make a donation in his honor, contributions may be mailed to SJICF, PO Box 1352, Friday Harbor, WA, 98250 or at SJICF.org.

For more information about the San Juan Island Community Foundation, visit SJICF.org.