Roger Parent

The world lost a beautiful soul on Sunday, January 22, 2023. Roger Lucien Parent was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, neighbor and coworker. Roger had a kind word and smile for everyone, and was dear to so many. He was thoughtful and patient, warm and funny. He was truly the best of us.
Roger was born in Albion, Rhode Island, in 1933 to Wilfrid Parent and Irene Desrosiers. He grew up in a close, loving family with his brother Gerry, and sisters Fern and Lorraine. Even at a young age, Roger was a devout Catholic. At the age of 15, he entered the seminary, but shortly after, he contracted rheumatic fever and was hospitalized for 6 months, and therefore unable to return. He continued to study at Mt. Saint Charles Academy, graduating in 1952. Unable to find suitable employment as a young man in Rhode Island, Roger and his first wife Doris, relocated to California in the mid 1950’s. He was assured he would be able to make a fine living on the west coast. He was successful and content in these new surroundings. In 1967 he and his wife settled in Simi Valley where they adopted and lived with their two sons Steven and Michael. After many years, Roger’s marriage to Doris ended in the 1980’s. In 1987 he married his second wife and longtime friend Mary, with whom he shared a very full and happy life for the rest of his days. Mary’s two children, Beth and Bill, were in their late teens and came to love Roger as a welcome addition to their family. Mary and Roger were also very involved in their neighborhood and community, where they made many wonderful life-long friends, with whom they spent many amazing moments, making memories to last a lifetime.
Over the years Roger’s ease with people and jovial nature made him the ultimate salesman. In time, he found his place, working many happy, successful years for Coastcast Corporation as a liaison to major golf club manufacturers. This no doubt contributed greatly to his lifelong love of the game. He retired from Coastcast Corporation in the early 2000’s, and he was out on the golf course 3 days a week. Roger also never stopped giving back. For many years, he delivered Meals on Wheels in his community, and volunteered installing Life Lines in the homes of people who needed them. He and Mary traveled to many amazing places around the world together, and experienced so many exciting adventures.
One of the greatest joys of Roger’s beautiful life was the time he spent with his grandchildren. He was “Pepère” to 9 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, and there was not a moment spent with him that any of them will ever forget. Holiday dinners, birthday celebrations, school performances, trips to Knott’s Berry Farm, family stories, fashion shows and dancing around the house were cause for many hours of laughter and love spent together.
Roger’s surviving extended family includes his wife, Mary, his sons Steven (deceased) (wife Jan) and Michael (wife Danielle), their children Amanda (fiancé Vincent, son Levi), Cameron (wife Melanie, daughters Braelyn and Brielle), Brittany, and Summer (husband Jordan, children Tessa and Tristen), step-daughter Beth (wife Margo, sons Riley and Joey), stepson Bill (partner Melissa, children Walker (mother Michele), Everett and Elliot).
Roger was married to Mary Parent for over 35 years. He was loved every day of his life. After a three-year battle with cancer, he died peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by his loved ones. His was a life well lived, and he will be in our hearts forever.