Robert Dean Parrish's Obituary
Age 85, of Jackson, passed away Sunday, May 23, 2021. He is survived by two children, Brit (Lisa) Parrish and Brenda Kay Parrish; two granddaughters, Breanna Lea Parrish and Rabecca Dea (Jeremy) Tisch; two step-grandchildren, Chad (Emily) Webb and Justin (Bre) Webb; two great-granddaughters, Izabella and Selena Kyle; sister, Jean (Parish) Clark of Hanover. He was preceded in death by parents, William M. Parish - Carpenter & Painter and Esther Marie (Comstock) Parish - housewife of North Adams. The difference in the spelling of the last names is based on a True Story. Siblings, Gary Lynn Parish (age 2), Arlene (Parish) Snyder of Jackson, and William Franklin Parrish - WWII Veteran. Robert was a Veteran of the U.S. Navy, retired from the U.S. Navy Seabee Reserves, as Senior Chief Equipment Operator, at the E8 level. A Certificate of Appreciation had been presented in recognition of valued service to boyhood by the Denver Area Council, Boy Scouts of America because while in the Seabee Reserves all the buildings at Camp Teetonkah Boy Scout Camp had been repaired and four new "A" frame cabins were built. His self-employment began after he remodeled a HUD home for his daughter, in which she had won the house in a lottery from the City of Jackson for one dollar in the winter of 1986. He belonged to the National Rifle Association of America. He was a Life Member of the Naval Enlisted Reserve Association. He was a Member of Whitetails Unlimited. He was a Life Member of the Brooklyn Sportsman's Club; he loved to shoot sporting clays, hunt and fish. He had also been recognized by the USO for his continued donations and support to those serving active-duty service members and military families.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial gathering and service to honor Robert's life will be held at the Michigan Center Eagles Aerie 3634, 302 5th Street in Michigan Center on Saturday, July 10, 2021 from 1pm to 5 pm with a service at 1:30 pm. His family would like to thank the staff at the Henry Ford Allegiance Hospice Home for the wonderful care given during his last days. We would also like to give a special thanks to the specific individuals that were so helpful to our Father in the past two years: United States Postal Worker - Jamie for taking mail directly up to the house; House Keeping Lady - Jayne for being very thorough and compassionate; Snow removal from driveway and walkway - guy in the neighborhood, possibly named Scott; and Lawn Maintenance girl - Jamie who did an exceptional job on keeping his yard looking well maintained, which is something he took extreme pride in.
It is believed that Robert practiced what he preached, as it is represented in the following:
"The Rule of Three"
Three Things to Govern:
Temper, Tongue, Conduct
Three Things to Cultivate:
Courage, Affection, Gentleness
Three Things to Commend:
Thrift, Industry, Promptness
Three Things to Despise:
Cruelty, Arrogance, Ingratitude
Three Things to Wish for:
Health, Contentment, Friends
Three Things to Admire:
Dignity, Intellectual Power, Gracefulness
Three Things to Give:
Alms to the Needy, Comfort to the Sad,
Appreciation to the Worthy
What’s your fondest memory of Robert?
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