Claude ‘Jay’ R. Parrish: He Had ‘a Spark in His Eyes When Talking About His Adventures’

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Claude R. Parrish (a.k.a. Jay)

Claude R. Parrish, (Jay), 95, resident of Rio Dell passed away peacefully on May 11, 2020 in Fortuna at the home of his grandson, Austin Haselip and Patsy Yazolino.

Born October 27, 1924 in Dunsmuir, CA to Claude Raymond Jr. & Eunice Marsh Parrish. Jay was one of seven children. They lived in Ferndale, Washington.

Jay joined the Navy to fight in WWII. He served as a Second-Class Gunners Mate flying in Naval Fighter planes during the battle at Guadalcanal in the South Pacific.

After returning from overseas duty, he graduated from Western Washington College of Education now called Western Washington University in Bellingham. Jay met his love, Delores while working at the Roller-Skating Rink. They were married on November 11, 1949, in Bellingham, WA.

While living in Humboldt County California for more than six decades; Jay & Delores worked on the Dinsmore Ranch, Jay began teaching in a one room school house in Dinsmore, CA. They both worked on the Sturm Ranch in Bridgeville, he also became the Vice-Principle while teaching at Bridgeville School.

After Bridgeville, they lived in Rio Dell, Scotia, and Fortuna. Jay logged old growth redwoods. He was a teacher at Rio Dell Elementary and a substitute teacher for Humboldt County Schools. He was employed by Pacific Lumber Company working as parts manager at Yeager Creek- he retired in 1991. Jay worked at the Scotia Gym for years. After Retiring at PL, Jay worked as security guard for town of Scotia for another 10 years.

Jay really enjoyed panning for gold. There was a spark in his eyes when talking about his adventures.

After the death of Jay’s wife Delores in 2011, Jay moved into Jay Dean & Gina’s home in Rio Dell.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents; Claude Jr. and Eunice Parrish, his brothers Darrel, Merle, Mike, sister-in-law Verna. His wife; Delores Braaten Parrish, and great grandson Owen Haselip.

Jay is survived by his children; Larry (wife Linda Kathy Chaffee), Sherry Ridenhour [husband Mike], Jay Dean (wife Gina Bryant Annis), Connie Haselip Otis, and his sisters Mildred Parrish & Roxa Parrish Rangle.

Grandchildren: Tina Parsells Burns (husband Trevor), Kristi Parsells, Candy Parrish Parson (husband Justin), Robert Parrish, Veronica Haselip Walin, Austin Haselip (Patsy Yazolino), Sarah Annis Ireland (husband John)

Great Grandchildren; Tristan Jeffers, Dannon Parsells, Klayton Miller, Hailie Haselip, Jonas, Ezra, & Cora Parson, Wyatt Burns, Kendra Walin, Dustin & Mellissa Haselip, Conner, Aidan, & Korbin Ireland.

Great-great grandchildren: Caleb & Michael Parsells

Family’s Celebration of Jay’s life to be scheduled for later this summer, due to COVID-19 virus restrictions.

Our family would like to extend our gratitude to the Hospice workers. Our appreciation and gratitude to Austin, Patsy, and Veronica for all their help and support making Jay feel loved and as comfortable as possible during his final journey.