Richard Donald Parry, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, lost his 5-year battle with MDS and Leukemia on January 23, 2015. Rick loved all things western and was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. He loved to travel and was able to visit many places around the world during his life. Rick had a deep love for the Savior, Jesus Christ, and exemplified that on a daily basis throughout his life.
Rick was born on April 3, 1944 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Alvarus and Maurine Parry. He married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Judy Bradley, on March 16, 1963. They were truly devoted to each other for over 50 delightful years. Rick's greatest joy was his family, and together he and Judy were blessed with ten amazing children. He was an exceptional husband and father, and taught many lessons to his children not only through his words but by his loving example. His greatest lessons included trusting in the Lord, following the prophet, and forgetting yourself and serving others. He was truly a disciple of Christ.
Rick graduated from Western Washington State College in Economics in 1966. Throughout his life he exhibited a strong work ethic through his various roles in management and sales for several companies including IBM, Winder Dairy and Cryolife. After retiring, Rick was honored to serve a mission for the LDS Church as the Global Operations Manager for Church Service Missionaries from 2010-2013.
Rick was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a strong, firm testimony of God and Jesus Christ. He went above and beyond in all of his church callings and especially loved being a bishop in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Florida. He loved to teach others and valued his time as seminary and gospel doctrine teachers. Rick strived to do God's will every day and many were the recipients of his time, love and generosity.
Rick is survived by his wife of 51 years, Judith Bradley; nine children: Scott (Robyn), Kristin (Scott) Gillette, Todd (Tracy), Melissa (James) Chandler, Stacy (Dax) Anderson, Kevin (Jennifer), Brett (Katie), John (Lindsey), Mark, 35 grandchildren, and siblings Robert (Ruth) Parry, Joyce Smith, Connie (Jim Talbot) Faulkner, Doug (Linda) Parry. He is preceded in death by his son Adam, his parents, and his mother-in-law, Mildred Bradley.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2015 at 11 a.m. at the Alta View Stake Center at 1850 East 8600 South in Sandy, Utah. A viewing will be held Wednesday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South) in Sandy, Utah and again prior to the funeral from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Stake Center.
Interment will be at Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road in Sandy, Utah on January 29, 2015 following the funeral services.
Dad and Grandpa- We will miss you, but we know this is not the end. You are "better than the best"!
