WCAX-TV announced today that Marselis "Div" Parsons died this morning. A WCAX report said: "It is with great sadness we report the passing of our friend and colleague Marselis Parsons. Marselis died Wednesday morning of cancer. He was 70. Marselis thanked his loyal following six years ago when he retired from WCAX News. 'We have been a guest. I have been a guest in their homes for 25 years. It has been an honor,' Marselis said in his last newscast. The former news director, reporter and anchor told stories here for 43 years. Producing stories on film was part the process when Marselis began his career here at Channel 3 in 1967."
Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont) sent this statement on Marselis “Div” Parsons: "For most Vermonters, Div Parsons defined the role of anchor in our state as television news grew, matured and adapted over the last several decades. He is a friend and for years has been the face of TV news in Vermont. His skill and his confident voice made him a sure and steady presence in our homes as he reported on events large and small that have continued to shape our state. Div and I have kept in touch since his retirement, and I will always fondly remember those wide-ranging chats. Marcelle and I offer our thoughts and prayers to Julie, Susan and their family and to Div’s professional family at WCAX. I know how happy he was to see Susan with his new grandchild."
Representative Peter Welch (D-Vermont) issued the following statement: "Marselis Parsons embodied the qualities all of us strive for in life but struggle to achieve -- integrity, decency and respect for colleagues, friends and neighbors. Every day at WCAX, his passion for honest local journalism was on full display. He influenced the careers of countless young journalists along the way. And he inspired his viewers to be engaged in the Vermont tradition of civil debate and civic responsibility. He was always tough, but always fair. Vermonters trusted Div Parsons. And we will miss him."
US Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) said: “Marselis Parsons was a leader in Vermont journalism for decades. He was tough, but fair. He took his responsibility to chronical the major issues facing Vermont and Vermonters seriously. He worked tirelessly to help Vermonters understand the world around them. His life's work is a model for young reporters of what journalism is about. He will be missed.”
TOP: Darren Perron, left, and Marselis Parsons, October 2009. Vermont Business Magazine photos
