R.I.P. Longtime North Country Newsman Marselis Parsons

Marselis Parsons

Longtime Burlington, VT radio/TV newsman Marselis Parsons died Wednesday morning of complications from cancer.

He was 70, according to WCAX News3.

The former news director, reporter and anchor told stories for 43 years. Producing stories on film was part of the process when Marselis began his career here at Channel 3 in 1967. Before there were smartphones and social media, Marselis relied on sources to get the story first.

"There is just something you hear when you hear a dispatcher and you hear the tension in their voice," Marselis said.

He liked the rush of fighting a fire, not only as a reporter, but as a volunteer firefighter in Burlington.

There was also satisfaction in telling stories. Marselis began his career in journalism during the tough times of the late 1960s. His first job was in the Upper Valley as a radio reporter at WTSL in Hanover, and his first TV job was in Lebanon. He came to Channel 3 in August 1967.

He was known for his tough but fair interviews, his curiosity and his sharp eye for powerful pictures.

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