Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Ben Jay Parrish, 79, was born Sept. 6, 1946, and passed away Feb. 16, 2026, leaving a legacy of faith, love, hard work, service, and unforgettable memories. Ben was born in Walla Walla, Washington, to Carlton Parrish and Marie Hulser. He moved to High Prairie during the summer between seventh and eighth grade. Farm life shaped him in every way. By age 10, he was driving tractor, milking cows, feeding livestock, cutting hay, and running equipment — learning early that responsibility wasn’t optional, but a way of life.
In 1964, at the end of his senior year, Ben began dating his one true love, Barbara (Barb) Keith. He worked all summer at Montgomery Ranch outside Pendleton, Oregon, to buy her a ring. They married June 5, 1965 — 60 years, 9 months, and 11 days together. Their daughter, Michelle, was born May 4, 1969, followed by their son, Christopher, April 16, 1971.
Ben loved the outdoors. Deer and elk hunting were lifelong passions, and many favorite memories were made in the field with his dad, Carl, friends, and his children.
Ben’s humor was legendary and his humor followed him into the hunting field. On one trip, Ben blew a coyote call loudly and continuously, unaware coyotes were circling behind him. His son and a dear friend stayed silent as the tension built. When Ben realized what was happening, he nearly swallowed the call. He didn’t just tell jokes — he created moments that left everyone laughing long after.
If you visited Ben and Barb Parrish, you likely played cards. Seven, Hand and Foot, Pond Scum, Dominoes, and Rummy were staples, and laughter was guaranteed. Ben was a hard worker and preferred the trades over college. After working for SP&S Railroad, he began driving concrete truck at 21. Through grit and determination, he founded Parrish Concrete Pumping, running it for 19 years before retiring in 2006.
He cherished being a grandfather and loved teaching target practice and riding the ATV. When asked about his greatest accomplishment, he said, “My wife of 60-plus years, two wonderful children, six grandchildren, and great grandchildren.”
Ben is survived by his beloved wife, Barb; daughter Michelle Gallagher (Troy); son Christopher Parrish (Karla); grandchildren Seth Gallagher (Joanna), Megan Summerlin (Rob), Keith Gallagher (Laura), Lynnea Bussey (Andy), and Coleman and Theron Parrish; five, almost six, great grandchildren.
He is also survived by siblings Gwen Smith and Greg Caudle and was preceded in death by siblings Tom, Henry, and John Parrish, Carla White, and Sherrie Barringer. Ben will be remembered as a man of faith, humor, service, and unwavering devotion to his family.
Ben will be deeply missed. But his Lord is saying, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” A celebration of life was held Feb. 26 at the High Prairie Community Center in Lyle, Washington.
Columbia Gorge News, March 4, 2026
To plant a tree in memory of Ben Parrish as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store.
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd,
racist or sexually-oriented language. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another
person will not be tolerated. Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone
or anything. Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism
that is degrading to another person. Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on
each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness
accounts, the history behind an article.
(0) entries
Sign the guestbook.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.