Stephen Carl Parrish

Stephen Carl Parrish passed away at the age of 64 years old on April 9, 2023.

He was born on May 8, 1958 to James and Josephine Parrish in Evergreen Park, IL. Steve attended St. Bernadette Grade School and Brother Rice High School.

Steve was an Eagle Scout and worked on staff at Owasippe Boy Scout camp as a teen and because of his love of horses and the boy scouts, he assisted in starting up the horse corral at Owasippe in 1976. He was dedicated to improving the camp for many years following and continued to appreciate the camp and the kinship of fellow scouts throughout his life.  He now joins the fellowship of many recently deceased friends of scouting whom he highly respected and loved.   

Steve purchased his 1st Siberian Husky in 1978 and in attending dog shows met his wife, Cathy, who he married in 1982. Their love for each other and the sports of showing and racing this beautiful breed continued until the time of his death. He was the one and only love of Cathy’s life and they shared many wonderful memories at Owasippe and with their beloved companions of “Snodrif Kennels”. 
Steve is loved and will be forever cherished by his daughter, Victoria (Simeon) Tzolov, son, Alexander (Kristin) Parrish and granddaughter, Helena Parrish. He was a devoted father who spent countless hours in supporting them in their activities as he watched them grow into wonderful adults.  His deep love and admiration for them will never dwindle. 

Steve will also be greatly missed, but fondly remembered by his niece, Melissa Zirbel, who considers Steve her 2nd dad and who Steve loves as one of his own.  
Steve is the eldest of 6 siblings and will be greatly missed, but endearingly remembered by his brother Richard, brother David (Sue), sister Liz (John) Cranford, sister Alexandra (Scott) Gename, and sister, Kathy Hosman. Through the tears, we are all strengthened and comforted by the many memories and stories of Uncle Steve that will affectionately be repeated through the years by his brothers and sisters and his many nephews, nieces, great nephews and great nieces. 

Steve had the gift to gab and always made friends along the way.  The friendships he developed through school and neighborhood, scouts, dog organizations and his son’s Taekwondo school were bonds that he highly regarded and took great care to maintain.

Memorial Visitation is on Monday, April 17th from 3 – 8 p.m. at the KERRY FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CARE CENTER, 7020 W. 127th Street, Palos Heights.  Please dress casually and if you have any Owasippe or other boy scout attire or Cubs, Siberian Husky or Taekwondo attire, please feel free to wear them in honor of his passions for them.

In lieu of flowers, the family of Steve would appreciate a donation to the Owasippe Staff Assoc. You be mail donations to OSA P.O. box 7097 Westchester, Illinois 60154 or a memorial donation in Steve’s honor to the OSA to be used in his memory at camp via a secure PayPal account in the memorial section @ https://owasippe.com/ways-to-help/store/