Richard Udy Parrish

Our beloved husband, father and grandpa, Richard Udy Parrish, passed peacefully from this mortal life, surrounded by his loving family into the arms of his Heavenly Father on Friday, September 29, 2023.

Dad was born in Centerville, Utah, to Samuel Joel and Janice Udy Parrish on June 19, 1940. He graduated from Bountiful High School in 1958. He then went on to serve an honorable mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Northern Far East Mission, serving much of his time in Korea. It is here where he developed a lifelong love for the Korean people. Upon returning from his mission, he enlisted in the Utah National Guard as a member of the Linguistics division. On August 21, 1964, he married his sweetheart, Patricia Dawn Duncan, in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they raised 4 children.  

From a young age Dad understood and valued hard work. Growing up on a small farm, he would milk cows and take care of chores before school. This example of hard work continued throughout his life; Dad never shied away from an opportunity to work hard to benefit his family. It was never about his needs, but the needs of his family. Dad earned his Journeyman Electrician license working for Beehive Electric. He worked many years alongside countless friends perfecting his craft at Skyline Electric, eventually becoming a co-owner. He was very proud of Skyline and the success they have had.

Dad loved flowers and taking care of his yard. He knew exactly what to plant, where to plant it and how to nurture it into the beauty he envisioned. Dad built the family cabin at our beloved Bear Lake where he loved spending the summers boating with his family and loved ones. A lifetime of memories have been created and will continue to be made “at the lake” thanks to his craftsmanship and love for his family.  

Dad was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings throughout his life. Both He and Mom loved their time serving as temple workers in the Bountiful Temple. Dad was a man of quiet faith and service. He led by example and taught his family to love the Lord.

The family would like to thank Caregivers Support Network for the loving care given to Dad. Thank you to Copper Creek Senior Living for their compassion and care for Dad, especially Annabelle and Esther for the sweet way in which they cared for him. A special thank you to our own special angel, daughter Jamie, who lovingly cared for dad with both the love of a daughter and skill of a professional, allowing us to keep Dad at home with Mom until the end.

Dad is survived by his sweetheart of 59 years, Dawn, daughter Stefanie (Phil) White, daughter Melanie (Lane) Cole, son Jeff (Meghan) Parrish, daughter Jamie (Josh) Jones, his sister Jolaine Randall and 11 grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother RJ, sister-in-law Jeannine Parrish, brother-in-law Val Randall, and grandson Abram Dean Jones. We are comforted in the beautiful reunion we know he is having with our loved ones.  

Funeral services will be held at 12 noon on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at the Burton Lane Stake Center, 270 W. Burton Lane, Kaysville, Utah. A viewing will be held from 10:00-11:45 a.m. at the church prior to the service. The family would like to thank the Windmill Ward for their help with the funeral arrangements. Interment will be in the Centerville City Cemetery.

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary & Crematory Facebook page and on this obituary page. The live stream will begin 10-15 minutes before the services and will be posted below.