John Parsons was a beloved member of the São Brás community
The municipal council of São Brás de Alportel has released a heartfelt tribute to John Edwards Parsons, a British resident who passed away on May 17 at 74 and whose dedication to the local community left a lasting mark on the town he called home since 2017.
In a statement to the press, the council says John Parsons leaves behind a “legacy of altruism and community involvement”.
A retired electrical engineer and former managing director in the defence technology sector, John was an active member of the gardening group of the local Friends of the Museum Group. Whether tending to the turtles at the local museum, designing animated nativity scenes for the volunteer firefighters, or sharing his love of astronomy with star-gazing sessions, he was known for his capacity for innovation and generosity.
“He was inventive and technologically capable, considered by many as truly a genius who was always creating,” the council says.
His technical flair made him the mastermind behind the mechanical figures in the town’s much-loved Christmas nativity display – an annual highlight created in partnership with the São Brás volunteer firefighters. He also donated essential equipment to support their life-saving work.
Passionate about the night sky, John led astronomy sessions and had plans underway for more community events that, sadly, he will not see realised.
In recognition of his contributions, the municipal council unanimously approved a vote of condolence at its June 3 meeting.
“The municipality thus pays tribute to someone who left a mark on the community life and collective memory of São Brás de Alportel,” the council adds.
