Richard “R.P.” Kelly Parrish “Manidoo Ngig or Spirt Otter” of Bay Mills, Michigan, began his journey on November 21, 2024. Fittingly born on April 20, 1967, in Detroit, Michigan, to Robert and Irma Parrish.
In his younger years, R.P. would play Santa for the little ones around Bay Mills. Later in life, he enjoyed softball, hunting, and a good Yahtzee game. Every Summer, you would find R.P. cooking up the most delicious and fluffy fry bread at the Parrish Taco stand at the Honoring Our Veterans Pow-Wow, where no one else could outdo him at the frying pan.
R.P. was a commercial fisherman for many years before he went to work for the casino. He started in Kings Club before moving to the Bay Mills Resort and Casino. Even while working at the Casino, he maintained his position within Parrish Fisheries, helping his father develop unique spins on preparing fresh fish. His last job was cooking meals for the elders of Bay Mills.
R.P.'s love and passion for cooking were evident in the new ideas and recipes he created, always appreciated by those around him. But what truly defined R.P. was his selflessness. He was the type of person who would do anything he could to help others, always putting their needs before his own. His selflessness was not just a trait but a way of life that impacted those he touched. R.P. was a great big teddy bear, protective and caring towards those he held dear.
Richard had many names: son, brother, Uncle Erdy, friend, Rich, R.P., and cousin, among others. While he did not have his own children, he was never one to shy away from helping care for the kids around him. He provided an ear to anyone who needed it and was always there to help provide guidance, solicited or not, with the best intentions. His family fiercely loved him, and he holds a special spot in the hearts of all those who have known him through his 57 years.
The best memories of his life with us can never be captured in pictures. Instead, they are held captive by the moments in our hearts. R.P. left this world far too soon, as there was much yet to do, see, cook, and create more memories. We know that one thing he never lacked was heart and passion. He will live on in our thoughts, stories, and words. His legacy is not just in the memories of his loved ones but in his impact on the community through his love for the Detroit Tigers, Kesslers, cooking, his fearlessness to create new things, and an occasional 4/20 treat.
R.P. is survived by his father, Robert Parrish of Bay Mills; sister, Lynda (Jason) Pesola, of Brimley; brother, Rory Parrish of Bay Mills; his beloved imported orange feline, Mister Mister; nieces, Rachel Lyons, Tara Parrish, Brook Pesola, Lisa Burtt, Neva Lyons, Delicia Sparks, Shiloh Dutcher, Evi Burtt; and nephews, Eric Burtt, Robert Burtt, Andrew Burtt, Matthew Burtt, and Quentin Lyons.
Waiting to greet him at the end of his journey is his mother, Irma; brothers, Robert and Roger Parrish; sister and brother-in-law, Lori and Barry Burtt; and nephew, Casey Lyons.
Services for Richard will be at the Armella Parker Senior Center on Monday, November 25, 2024, starting at 5:00 PM for visitation. Traditional service will be on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, beginning at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at Mission Hill with a feast to follow.
Family Life Funeral Homes assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.
Obituary as submitted by family
