Richard Parrish

Jan. 18, 1943-Feb. 25, 2026

Surrey

Richard Parrish, 83, Rural Surrey died on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, in his home.

Richard Lee Parrish was born on January 18, 1943, in Battle Creek, Michigan to Jack and Virginia (Salisbury) Parrish. He was raised and educated at various places throughout the United States because his father was a member of the U.S. Air Force. After graduating from the University of Nebraska Omaha with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering, Richard enlisted in the United States Air Force on September 3, 1965. He specialized as a navigator for the B-52 aircraft, earning numerous medals while participating in the Vietnam War. Eventually he attained the rank of major prior to his honorable discharge on May 31, 1986.

Richard married Maureen Matthews on June 12, 1963, at Mount View Presbyterian Church in Omaha NE. They made their home in communities near various air force bases throughout the US including Sacramento CA, Bossier City/Shreveport LA, Guam, Blytheville AK and Minot ND where the family moved in 1980. Following his retirement from the U.S. Air Force they made their home on a hobby farm near Surrey, ND. He operated a furniture repair business for 10 years until making the craft of blacksmithing his occupation. Avid gardeners, Richard and Maureen had a place to expand their garden to share their harvest with their neighbors, family and friends. Also, in his retirement years he was often found doing historical demonstrations at the Fort Mandan Interpretive Center near Washburn and various Reenactments throughout the region. During the renovation of Fort Mandan in the early 2000’s Richard did much of the iron work at the fort.

Maureen died on September 7, 2007, and after longtime friend John Curtis died, Richard and Emmeline Curtis began a friendship that quietly deepened over the years. They shared a comfort that made life feel a little lighter after the death of their respective spouses. Growing older together they had become each other’s safe place, beginning with Richard opening his home to Emmy after the flood of 2011 damaged her home.

Throughout his life, Richard was a member of the Congregational United Church of Christ, Fort McKeen Old Scouts Society, ND Muzzle Loaders, Fort Stevenson Foundation & Lewis & Clark/Fort Mandan Foundation. He served as the chairman for Surrey Township Board of Supervisors. When he wasn’t gardening, blacksmithing or working with wood, he enjoyed cooking. Some of his favorite things to make were beef jerky, salsa (ingredients all from his garden) and chili.

Richard’s loving family includes his children: Mahli (John) Apland of Minot and Mark (Jodie) Parrish of Sioux Falls SD; grandchildren: Hannah (Antonio) Vadell, Kennedy Parrish, Dodge Arne, Keaton Parrish and Aaron Blowers; great grandchildren: Layah Arne and Bentley Arne; mother of the great grandchildren: Kaylynn Melgaard; siblings: Carol (Jim) Sweeney and Thomas Parrish; sister-in-law: Nancy Matthews and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents and wife Maureen.

Celebration of the Life of Richard Parrish: Friday, March 6, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in Congregational United Church of Christ, Minot. A livestream of the service may be viewed by using the link in the website obituary.

Interment will be on Friday at 3:00 p.m. in the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, rural Mandan.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service in the church.

Memorials are preferred to the Congregational United Church of Christ, Fort Mandan Foundation or the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Published by The Minot Daily News, March 2, 2026.