Craig Steven Parrish

It is with deep sorrow and much love that the family of Craig Steven Parrish of Anthem, Arizona (formerly from Ventura, CA) announces his passing on April 4th, 2022 at 70 years of age. He will be lovingly remembered by his daughters Annalee Gerlach, Aimee Michels (Bobby), Melissa Navarro (Jose), 10 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, his brothers JR Parrish (Lisa), David Parrish (Debra), Paul Parrish (Pennie), best friend Art Leseberg (Diane) and countless others who were lucky enough to call him friend. He was preceded in death by his parents. Craig was born in 1952 in Warner Robbins, Georgia to parents Solomon and Helen Parrish. He was the youngest of four boys. His mother was an RN and his father was a navigator on fighter jets in the Navy. His childhood consisted of many posts, of which his favorite was Cadiz, Spain. After Spain, the family moved to Oxnard, CA where he graduated from Oxnard High School in 1970. Craig was a Vietnam era vet, joining the Army after high school. He was stationed at a hospital on Okinawa as a physical therapist. In 1975 he married and instantly became a dad to two little girls, Annalee and Aimee. The family resided in Ventura, CA. In 1978, his pride and joy, Melissa Maureen, was born. Craig was a journeyman electrician and member of IBEW local 952. He spent many years involved in girls softball, as a board member of Tri Valley Girls Softball League, coaching his daughters and granddaughters as well as head coach of St Bonaventure girls softball program. He retired from Taft Electric, enjoying nearly a decade of retirement before his passing. Not too long after retirement, he moved to Anthem, AZ where he joined Anthem Country Club and was able to spend a lot of time with his brother JR and sister in law Lisa. He quickly became a beloved member of the Anthem community and made many friends. He loved the desert heat and golfing with JR, David and many friends. His hole in one on 8/17/2020 at Anthem Country Club Ironwood Golf Course hole 17 was a highlight of his golfing game as well as playing at Pinehurst, North Carolina in October, 2021. Dad loved Vegas. He had a passion for cruising, Alaska and vacationing in tropical destinations. He had a weakness for pretty women, often embarrassing us sending them drinks or tipping them extra well. He even tried to tip his nurses in his last days. He loved to camp and go on bike rides. He loved to bowl where he made many good friends at Buena Lanes and he was very proud to have bowled in a national tournament in Reno, Nevada. He loved country music, concerts and rock n roll. He’d pump his fist and clap his hands with excitement. He loved sports, playing and as a spectator. Above all, what brought him most joy was the title “Gramps”. His grandchildren were the apple of his eye and he often couldn’t speak about them without getting teary. He would not miss a year of taking Samantha Rohlfing (James), Anica Hernandez (Josh Cabral) and Mateo Navarro to the Ventura County Fair where he’d indulge them in way too much fair food and endless rides and carnival games. In keeping with our dads wishes, no service is planned at this time. In honor of him, please make a donation in his name to Ryan House Hospice of the Valley in Phoenix, Arizona or the ASPCA, gather with friends and sip a Long Island, help a neighbor, play a round of golf, coach youth sports, pet a dog, take your grandchildren to the county fair, toast to him with a shot of Fireball, eat a pint of ice cream, take a cruise to Alaska, plays slots or see a country concert or a show in Vegas. He’d love that. We’ll miss you Pops/Gramps. “Life goes on”. The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at Ryan House, Hospice of the Valley in Phoenix, AZ for their care and compassion.