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David R. Parrish died on Dec. 13, 2020 at Casa de la Luz Hospice. He was 80 years old, and had been battling a brain tumor, end-stage renal disease, heart disease caused by Agent Orange, Valley Fever, and a broken hip.
Dave was born in Michigan and had two brothers and five sisters. After high school he joined the Air Force, and was stationed in Michigan, Bermuda, Georgia, Mississippi and did one tour in Phu Cat, Vietnam during the Tet Offensive. He was honorably discharged in 1969 with the rank of Staff Sergeant and earned a medal of commendation.
Dave returned to Michigan and worked for 30 years as a pipe fitter. In 2009, Dave began a new journey in San Manuel, and loved working with students at First Avenue Elementary where his son, was a teacher. You could often find Dave in a first grade classroom helping students with their reading. He also helped with book fairs, the Christmas shop, and the Spring Fling. Dave became close to many special people during his time in Arizona: relatives Jack and Karen Cole and their children and grandchildren; Manny and Velma Estrada; Gibby and Yvette Guerrero and their children Julie and Jesus; Annette Soqui; Carmen Ronquillo; Abel Aguirre; Isabel Austin; Sabrina Cazares; Manuel Chavez; Tara Garcia; Jimmy and Deanna Woods and family; Helen Ramirez; and the crew at Mammoth dialysis: Jim, Roxanne, Buffy, Cappy, and Tina. Dave was also very appreciative of the people at Mountain Vista school where his son is a teacher who have been so accommodating when his son had to take time off to help him: Crystle Nehrmeyer, Shannon Soule, Amber Cruea, Corrie Guerrero, Verdean Smith, and Dale Tom.
He is survived by his wife, Peggy; children, Cherlyn and Mark; three grandchildren; a brother and five sisters and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Dave and the family ask that donations be made to the VA Hospital by calling 520-629-1822 or going to tucson.va.gov. David’s ashes will be buried this summer in Michigan.
Arrangements made by Vistoso Funeral Home
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