Neville Keith Parish Obituary (1945 - 2021)

Neville Keith Parish, age 76, of Allegan, Michigan, passed away at home on Thursday, September 23, 2021. He was born February 15, 1945, in Waikerie, Australia, to the late Keith and Murvell (Mullens) Parish. Neville was raised in Adelaide, Australia by his parents until he joined the Australian Navy on February 10, 1964. He served a term of 9 years from ages 19 to 28 before he met his loving wife Jean Ann Anderson (Leske) while working at the Defoe Shipping Yard in Bay City, Michigan. Neville and Jean quickly fell in love, and soon after meeting were married on August 26, 1967. Soon after their wedding, they moved their family back to Sydney Australia, where Neville continued his career in the Australian navy. He and Jean then both began careers at Abbott Laboratories before their daughter, Tina-Mari Parish (Warner) was born on March, 14 1969. After living in Cronulla, Australia for many years, Jean and Neville made the decision to move back to Bay City, Michigan to be closer to family and loved ones. Neville then decided to gain his American citizenship on August 25, 1999, when at the time they resided in their first home in Wyoming, Michigan. Neville was employed at Spartan Stores as a supervisor in Byron Center, Michigan and then went on to work and retire from Royal Technologies. People who worked with Neville said he was the best boss they ever had and he was loved by everyone he interacted with. Among his wife, daughter and granddaughters, Hailey and Haven Warner, whom he lived with for 21 years, Neville's pets were one of the many great loves of his life. His beloved dog Molly will now be loved and cared for by them. He was the type of person to always put his family's needs above his own, his pets included. Neville was truly loved by all those who encountered him, even when he didn't fully realize it. He would be humbled by how many people have expressed their sadness in hearing of his passing. His unapologetic sarcasm, unfiltered sense of humor and genuine love he had for those he cared for most will be missed every day in his absence. Survivors include his daughter, Tina (Phil) Warner (Allegan, Mi); stepchildren, Marge (Rich) Velasquez (Adrian MI), Cindy Huizar (Bay City, MI), Harry (Sharon) Anderson (Brisbane, Australia), Betsy Morris (Bay City, MI); and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Also surviving is his sister-in-law, Maxine Robinson (Bay City, MI) and her 4 children. Neville was preceded in death by his wife, Jean; his parents, Keith and Murvell Parish; and his brother-in-law, Jack Robinson. Cremation has already taken place, per Neville's request, at Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care. Neville also had written his wishes down to not have a memorial service or funeral, but to simply be brought home to be by Jean's side so the family will be honoring his final request out of love and respect. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006.