Brian C. Parrish

Brian was born in Kankakee, Illinois on November 11, 1943, and lived on the family farm in St. Anne and later moved to Kankakee. Brian graduated from Kankakee High School in 1961 and enrolled at Olivet Nazarene College later that year. While at Olivet, he met Linda (Beatty) Parrish and they married August 15, 1964. Brian served in the Army from 1962-1964 and was stationed along the DMZ in Korea during peace time. Upon completion of his service, Brian returned to school and received a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration in 1967.

Brian and his wife moved to Tempe, Arizona in 1967, where they raised their two children, Jennifer and Adam. As a family, they did many weekend adventures and Brian was always doing kind things for others. Brian and Linda divorced in 1992 and remained life-long friends.

During his career, Brian built a well-respected reputation in the insurance industry as a Senior Claims Manager. Throughout the years he worked for Liberty Mutual, Cigna, Aetna and retired from Scottsdale Insurance Company in 1997.

One of Brian’s personal achievements was hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon in 1994. He loved living in Arizona and was so very proud of his four wonderful grandchildren. Brian was also very fond of pets, especially his dog, Mocha. Those that knew him know Brian always had a smile on his face and exercised a terrific sense of humor.

Brian is survived, by his children Jennifer (Parrish) Fink and (Michael) Adam Parrish, his grandchildren Austin Parrish, Ryan Fink, Christopher Fink and Regan Parrish; sister Ellan Wagner (husband Robert Wagner), brother Michael Parrish (wife Shelley Falk); other extended family and friends.

Brian is proceeded in death by his parents Isaac Parrish Jr. and Eleanor Parrish, and nephew Robert (Rob) Wagner.

Cremation has taken place, and a graveside interment service will be held February 20th at 12:00 noon. A celebration of life reception will immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in Brian’s name to: Arizona Humane Society (Attn: Development Department, 1521 W. Dobbins Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85041) or Hospice of the Valley (2020 E. Woodside Court, Gilbert, Arizona 85297) by selecting the links below.