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A gentleman's gentleman

August 26, 2011

I had the pleasure of knowing Ed for many years although regretably I had not seen him recently.  Ed (General) ooozed purity, honesty, genuiness, friendlyness and integrity from his soul.  I was fortunate to have been allowed to even share a sliver of his life.  I know he will be greatly missed by his entire family.  Our family's thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Steve, Susan, Spencer and Garret Frei  

A great night with great friends!

August 24, 2011

Oh how I wish there were some photos of my good friend TK and me the night we were seated in Nancy and Ed’s beautiful dinner table in their home in Summer Place in Vero Beach, FL. TK was visiting from Maryland and Gretchen Collins had asked TK and I to go with her to dinner at the Parnell’s. The day was beautiful and the house is nothing short of charming. We had crudités in the living area and Ed was showing off his new iPod and JBL iPod player neatly tucked behind the couch that he controlled with a wireless remote…it was very slick and sounded great. We all laughed at each other and enjoyed the comfort of just everything…I do remember that Ed delivered a very nice and warm ‘grace’ prior to all of us dining, and dinner was just great. As the meal was winding down, somehow Ed learned of TK’s service in the Marine Corp and I think that all of us that night got to see something that I’m convinced just did not happen very much. For at least the next hour or so I can surely tell you, that nobody said a word as we all listened to the General speak. I know my mouth was hanging open and I think TK (aka Tom Kershner) also felt the same, we heard stories of war, flying, and helicopters with bullet holes in them…Ed went in the back room and came out with a folder full of photos. I mentioned that I wished there were photos of TK and I…the look on our faces after that dinner must have just been something to see. You just could tell this man was a man’s man and true life hero. He never said anything to the effect of him being that…you just knew it from the stories. It truly was an evening to remember. I often thought of that dinner when I would see Ed from time to time both in Vero and in Ocean City…I don’t know, and I bet many of you do, I just think that I was lucky that he let us in to his job that night and shared it with us. I’m honored to have met him…he is the reason, like so many others - that I live a very comfortable and free life. Thank you for that General Parnell. You will be missed by all. I love you Nancy, be strong.

From Tom Collins

August 23, 2011

 OUR WONDERFUL GENERAL ED DOING WHAT HE LIKED BEST. OCEANS OF LOVE, TOM COLLINS

Ethan's Collinwood HS graduation party

August 16, 2011

On Saturday, July 16, 2011 we celebrated Ethan's graduation from high school at Collinwood, where we spend our summer's in OCMD. It was a wonderful celebration of achievement, encouragement for the future and for sharing an evening of love and affection with all our family and friends. Dada said our dinner prayer, which was always his pleasure, one which brought many of us to tears! The evening was perfect and it is an occasion which I will always remember with tremendous joy. This picture of Mimi and Dada is the last picture taken of "The Big Kahuna". So many special times together, so many wonderful memories to cherish forever.

UMUC Alumni Association

August 16, 2011

When I was appointed to work first as an assistant and later as director of UMUC Alumni Relations in 1991, I soon learned that Ed Parnell was a leader who would guide me, help me, and always support the work to make UMUC a strong University of which he was a proud graduate.  The Edward A. Parnell Outstanding Alumnus Award given out annually, was named in his honor because he established a high standard of excellence in volunteer leadership.

All of Ed's contributions made this world a better place.  Job well done.

Phyllis Smock, Retired, UMUC 2001

722 Hogan Drive, Martinsburg, WV 25405

 

 

 

 

 

 

It Runs in the Family show

August 15, 2011

Jimmy portrayed a young punk rocker in a play in Alexandria called It Runs in the Family - a British farce - Mimi and Grandpa came and enjoyed the show and we had dinner together afterward. All the other actors on the cast kept telling Jimmy that he looks just like his grandfather...to which Jimmy answered, I better enjoy my hair while I have it, Grandpa!

Alligators...

August 15, 2011

We visited Mimi and Grandpa for Spring Break in 2008 and Jimmy wanted to see alligators...dad found a park nearby that had a pond and sure enough....we saw lots of alligators. Poor Mimi was so afraid one of them was going to sneak ashore and grab Taylor and try to eat her. We had such a fun day.

August 15, 2011

There was always a warm feeling in the company of Ed and Nancy.

21 years ago we meet talking about adventures to Banff, Canada, Lake Louise, Frozen Waterfalls, where i have also visited several times..What a wonderful way to begin a friendship!!

What a beautiful journey though life, Ed and Nancy have shared together!!!!   (WOW, where do you sign up for that!!!!!) 

My wife Jen, and my son Reaf, only new Ed for a few years. They fell in love with his beautiful spirit right away. What an Honor to be his friend and part of his family.

So loved, "The Hat Family"

August 15, 2011

Harry and I have known Ed and Nancy since the 90's from the Alumni Association of UMUC.  Ed has been an inspiration to me both at work with UMUC as well as just learning to enjoy life as he did.  We became fast friends and subsequently were able to visit them in Maryland as well as their coming to Heidelberg to see us.  We also shared an adventurous trip to Egypt together and were so happy to be able to have them visit us in Rota, Spain a few years ago.  It all seems like yesterday and these are memories we will treasure always. 

Edward was and is a gem.

Our love and heartfelt sympathy goes to darling Nancy whom we both adore as well as to all of Ed's wonderful family.  The world is going to be a great deal emptier without Ed, but we will always keep his memory alive in our hearts. 

He will truly always be remembered and loved.

 

Linda and Harry Traenkle, Heidelberg, Germany August 2011

 

DaNang '68

August 15, 2011

As the duty NCO in the G-! shop sometime in '68 we took incoming that persisted for what seemed like an eternity and nearly hit our shop.  When the all clear was given, the first person to check on me was Colonel Parnell.  I share this not as a "war story" but my personal experience of his caring and leadership of his Marines.  Colonel Parnell was admired and respected by all those that served under his command as evidenced by the high moral we had under difficult conditions.  

I extend my deepest sympathy to his family and friends.

Rick Toynbee, Sgt USMC

Semper Fi General Parnell

   

Our friendship

August 14, 2011

Dear Nancy and Family

What a shock to hear of Ed's suddened passing.  Just last Sunday received an Email from Ed and Nancy.  Stating they were in Ocean City for the summer and would give us a call when they returned home.  Before they leave for Austria, a cruise and in Ed's words  to return home and "Act like Folks in their 80's" mid October.

It was a joy to have met such a fasinating couple Ed and Nancy on Holland America Cruise Line in April 2009.  Ed always kept us entertained during cocktails and Dinner with all his stories.  Ed certainly lived his life to the fullest.  We will always remember his humor, kind spirit and love of country. Our lives have certainly been enriched by knowing him.  May god hold you close in this difficult time.  He lives forever in our hearts.

Love Rosemary and Bob

Queen Elizabeth, Christmas/New Year

August 14, 2011
14th August 2011
We have just returned home after a weekend away and are deeply saddened to hear about Ed. How shocked and devastated Nancy must be. We knew Ed for a very short time - 3 great weeks on the Queen Elizabeth Christmas Cruise 2010/11 - but he and Nancy made such an impression on us that we felt we had known them for ages. We continued our friendship via email.
We will remember our long leisurely dinners aboard with Ed and Nancy, Paul and Elaine Feuer and our friends, Jane and David Munk - and how ours was one of the few tables that met up every night because we enjoyed each other`s company so much.We had such fun every night and liked finding Ed in quiet corners of the ship during our days at sea, curled up with his 'Kindle' - it was his enthusiasm for it that prompted us to buy our own when we got back to the UK! He was a very special man.
Our love and prayers are with you all.
We send our sincere condolences, our sympathy and a big virtual hug to Nancy. We will write to her directly.

 

Pauline & Robin Grant
London UK

 

 

Ed's blessing at Ethan's Graduation Party

August 14, 2011

The night we celebrated Ethan's graduation at 34th Street, Lisa kindly asked Ed to give the blessing before dinner.  I was sitting next to Mimi at the time and Ed graciously got up and gave, what I thought to be, one of the most beautiful and profound blessings that I have ever heard.

When he finished, I leaned over to Mimi and commented on Ed's ability to, "off the cuff", give such a sincere and loving message, not only to his grandson, but to all of the celebrants.  Mimi's comment was, "Ed always knows just the right thing to say".  I remember thinking at the time that I wish I had such a gift.

I didn't spend a lot of time with Ed, but from almost the moment I first met him, I was impressed by his gentle nature and his kind spirit. He always gave me warm, welcoming hugs and kisses.  I can't help, but wonder what words of blessings, wisdom and comfort he would share with all of us now.

When I think of Ed, I will be reminded to live every day of my life to the fullest! I'll never stop doing the things that I love, no matter my age and I'll surround myself and spend quality time with the people I love.  I feel my life is richer for having known him and will continue to keep you, his family, in my constant prayers.  

Dinner in Vero Beach

August 14, 2011

Ted and Andrea visited Ed and Nancy at their home in Vero Beach in June 2008.  Since it was decades since Ted met up with his college friend, Stewart Fish, we decided to meet for dinner at a nearby restaurane. We had a wonderful time. 

The Flag Outside Ed and Nancy's Home

August 14, 2011

The flag overlooking the lush garden at Ed and Nancy's house

Maid of the Mist

August 14, 2011

Plastic ponchos did not detract from Ed's cosmopolitan style at Niagara Falls in June 2006.

Niagara Falls Trip - June 2006

August 14, 2011

Nancy and Ed, Elain and Paul, Ted and Andrea met for a glorious weekend in Niagara Falls in June 2006.  I snapped this picture when Nancy and Ed sat down for a short respite while we were window shopping at Niagara On The Lake.

A letter from Nancy Parnell to the Ocean City Beach Patrol

August 13, 2011

 

Dear Captain Arbin, 

On Wednesday, August 10 at 1:30 p.m. on 34th Street, your team conducted safety and rescue actions in an effort to save the life of our beloved husband, father, grandfather and truest of friend. Each and every member of your team did their utmost to apply their training and skills at the highest level. They were extraordinary in both action and compassion. Unfortunately, General Parnell's injuries were too severe for him to be saved in the end. However, the service your men did provide to our family was invaluable.  Your young men enabled us to have a few precious hours of hope, prayers for his survival, expressions meaningful in love, and finally our goodbyes. According to the doctors at The University of Maryland Medical Center Shock Trauma, it is extremely rare for an individual that has sustained a severed spinal cord, heart attack, and near death drowning to have ever reached the ambulance, or their care, for that matter. 

Our family is more grateful than words could ever convey. Not only did your men work  to save the life of General Parnell, they also comforted and supported his wife at the time of this crisis, in a manner that was above and beyond. We would like to recognize and extend our personal appreciation to the following young men who acted so courageously. They will be in our hearts forever: 

Sgt. Marc Bouloucon

Patrick O'Malley

Trey Krell

Ryan Grantham 

Marc, Patrick, Trey and Ryan, in our time of grief and sorrow it is very important to our Mother that our entire family extend to you our most heartfelt thanks for all you did for our irreplaceable loved one. Please, always be proud of what you have done for us and what you did. The General served in Korea and Vietnam in service to his country. He is a decorated veteran of foreign war. He would never be remiss at thanking his own troops for their sacrifice, bravery and conduct in performing their duty. We are certain, had he survived he would have called you to order and personally thanked each and every one of you with gratitude for a job well done. 

Most sincerely, 

Nancy E. Parnell, his wife

 

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