Family of cyclist Anthony Parsons ‘still need answers’ as they lay him to rest

The family of a cyclist whose body was found three years after he vanished say they “still need answers” as they prepare to say their final farewells.

Former Navy petty officer Anthony Parsons, also known as Tony, went missing aged 63 in 2017 while on a long charity cycle from his home in Tillicoultry, Clackmannanshire, to Fort William.

The grandfather’s remains were discovered in January this year near a farm at the Bridge of Orchy, Argyll and Bute.

Two men, both aged 29, had been arrested several weeks before the discovery in connection with his disappearance and were released pending further inquiries.

Mr Parsons’ family will pay their final respects at Stirling Crematorium on Thursday afternoon.

In a statement on behalf of the family, his son Mike said: “The last three and a half years have been incredibly hard for us as a family and for all those who knew my dad.

“We have been left devastated by what has happened to my dad.

“As we come together as a family today to celebrate my dad’s life and to say our final goodbyes, we hope we can begin to come to terms with his death.

Anthony Parsons went missing in 2017 while on a long charity cycle from his home in Tillicoultry, Stirlingshire, to Fort William.

“We would like to say a heartfelt thank you for the support given and condolences passed from our friends and family, many of whom have been unable to attend today.

“We still need answers to many questions surrounding my dad’s death so I would ask anyone who may have even the smallest piece of information to please speak to the police and help us get the answers and closure we need.”

Mr Parsons, who spent more than two decades in the Navy, was last seen at around 11.30pm on October 2, 2017, outside the Bridge of Orchy Hotel as he travelled south on the A82.

A retired submariner tips his hat as he passes the coffin at Stirling Crematorium, during the funeral of cyclist Anthony Parsons, whose body was found three years after he vanished (picture credit: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire).

He had left his home on Friday September 29.

Detective Superintendent Raymond Brown of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, said: “We continue to appeal to anyone who has any information that could assist with our enquiries to contact us as a matter of urgency.

“It is imperative that we get answers for Anthony’s family who have been through many years of heartbreak and distress, which still continues despite Anthony finally being found and being laid to rest today.”

Anyone with information regarding Mr Parsons can contact the Major Investigation Team on 0141 305 4510 or through the team’s online public portal.

A retired submariner carries a flag at Stirling Crematorium for the funeral of cyclist Anthony Parsons, whose body was found three years after he vanished (picture credit: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire).

Information can be submitted anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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