Gregory“Sonny” Parisien

Minot

Gregory “Sonny” Parisien, 61, Minot, passed away Saturday, November 23, 2024, in his home.

Gregory Lynn “Sonny” Parisien was born on April 7, 1963, to George and Darlene (Evans) Parisien in San Jose, CA. He was raised in California and attended school there until 5th grade, at which time they moved to Belcourt, ND. He later moved to Williston, ND where he graduated from high school in 1981.

He proudly enlisted in the United States Army on August 30, 1983. While in the Army he had the opportunity to be stationed in Hawaii and Germany. One of his favorite memories of his time in the Army was being present when President Reagan gave his speech telling Gorbachev to tear down the wall. He made lifelong friends with whom he remained in contact with. He was honorably discharged June 29, 1987. He later joined the National Guard and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Minot State University.

He started working for Strata in May of 1994. He was a loyal, hardworking employee who took great pride in his work and always had a hankie in his pocket. Sonny always had time for other people. In addition to being a mentor to new employees, he would take the time to answer the questions of curious children and onlookers. He would let them see the machines he worked on and patiently answer their questions.

In 1994 he met the love of his life, Tammy. They were married in September of 1997. She brought with her to the marriage two daughters, Misty and Lindsay, whom he loved and treated as his own from day one. Together they had a daughter, Abbi, in 1999. His family was his life. He was naturally fit for his favorite role as “Papa.” His seven grandkids were his pride and joy. He loved and made time for every single one and made each grandchild feel special. He would play dress up and beauty shop with the girls and take the boys swimming and fishing and let them blast the music and sing along on their mini road trips. He also loved dogs. Even though he didn’t have a dog, he would stuff his pockets with treats and take the kids on walks and give treats to all the neighborhood dogs.

He had a passion for cooking and would feed anyone who walked through the door. Sonny was famous for his watermelon carvings at the kids’ birthday parties. He was kind to everyone and had a gentle demeanor that made everyone who met him feel like a friend.

Sonny was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer only four weeks before his death. Although he was taken from this earth too soon, we are eternally grateful for the time we got to spend with him. He truly left this world a better place.

His loving family includes: his wife of 27 years, Tammy Parisien; daughters, Misty (Jeremy) Mahany, Lindsay (Darin) Johannes, Abbi (Joey) Barrette; siblings, Todd (Alberta) Parisien, Rhonda (Terry) Boyd, Mike Parisien, Arlene Parisien; grandchildren, Greyson and Arden Mahany, Caleb, Jaeger, Brezlynn and Finnick Johannes, and Braelynn Barrette-Parisien; numerous nieces and nephews who were all very special to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents: George Parisien and Darlene Busch; stepfather, Robert Busch; brother, Perry Parisien; father and mother-in-law, Marv and Wanda Torno; brother-in- law, Rodney Kubler.

Visitation: Monday, December 2, 2024, from 4 to 6 at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Vigil Prayer Service: Monday, December 2, 2024, 6 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Mass of Christian Burial: Tuesday, December 3, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Minot.

Memorials: are preferred to an organization of the donor’s choice that supports disabled veterans.

The service will be livestreamed for the public to view and can be accessed by going to the Thompson-Larson Funeral home website: www.thompsonlarson.com

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).

Published by The Minot Daily News, November 29, 2024.