William Allan Parrish

“Bill “ passed away in the evening of December 22nd, 2014 in his 86th year with his wife and daughter at his side. Bill was born in Woodrow, Saskatchewan and was one of six children to Alvin and Hazel Parrish. He is survived by his younger brother Cliff.

At the young age of 16, Bill was scouted and left home to try out for the St. Louis Cardinals. He played for their farm team. His pitching/playing record is in Cooperstown in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Later that year Bill returned home to Canada and settled in Burnaby, British Columbia. It was upon his return, that he was introduced to three things that would shape the rest of his life. His wife and faithful, loving partner Joan (Tookey), his career as an electrician first at Hume and Rumble followed by a long career at BC Hydro which brought him great satisfaction and joy and the game of golf.

Bill and Joan were married on April 30th, 1949 and celebrated their 65th Anniversary this past spring. Together they had just relocated to Calgary in November of this year. Bill and Joan were blessed with three children whom they raised in North Burnaby. Daughter Claudia (Randy Findlay), son Jeff (Cindy), son Brent (Kathy) and former daughter-in-law and friend, Wendie all of whom were so very proud of him. Bill (Gramps) and Joan (Gran) enjoyed to the fullest being grandparents to their five grandchildren Jennifer Findlay (Craig Shaw), Kristine Findlay (Daniel Stewart), Brent Findlay (Jennifer Gerrard), Tyler Parrish and Lindsay Parrish. As a couple, they (Great Gramps and Gigi) have recognized the joy of five great-grandchildren Aidan, Tomas and Sophie Shaw and Henry and Claudia Stewart. We cannot forget Bill’s wonderful dog Mercer who gave him unconditional love and together they enjoyed their daily walks down the Semiahmoo Trail.

Bill had many friends both at work, on the golf course - 60 years of playing and several Club Championships and most importantly his dear family and special friends.

His passion for sports we all knew. His desire to win and be the best he could be and play the game fair, we all understood. This was his way!

Bill has left us all with many of his stories he loved to tell and retell. There was always, “just one more, I will keep this one short…” You will be missed dearly by your family, our memories are so many.

There is no service, but we ask you to take a moment in your day to remember Bill in your own way as he had a soft spot in his heart for us all.

A celebration of his life will be private amongst family. No flowers, please. If you wish to make a donation in Bill’s memory, it would be directly to the Canadian Diabetes Foundation (#360, 1385 – West 8th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6H 3V9) or to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada (11198 – 84 Ave Nordel Mall, PO Box 33060, Delta, BC V4C 8E6) as these were his challenges. Thank you to Dr. Andre Bredenkamp (Surrey, BC), Dr. Nancy McPhee and Nurse Sonia of Helios Wellness Centre (Calgary) and the Foothills Hospital ER, Units 81 and 82.