Richard A. Parramore

I had the honor and privilege of getting to know Dick and Barb as Dick's home health aide in 2008. They are an inspirational couple and Dick was a true man of honor. It hurt me to hear this news but I know he's with the Lord. May their legacy continue to preach to others.
- Anna Hampton

Dick and Barb left a lasting impression when they lead Young Life in their home. That is a time I will remember with very fond memories.

I was honored to have been included in many Parramore family adventures in the 1960's - dinners after church and the family's cottage on Lake Michigan hold special memories. Dick was always lots of fun and happy to include other kids - even though he had 6 of his own. Young Life became an important part of High School years, and was life-changing for so many. His love of Christ and the fun-loving spirit he brought to everything he did will be remembered by more people than he ever could have...

Since hearing about Dick's death, I have been flooded with memories of Dick (and Barb and the whole Parramore family!). Being a former GR Young Lifer, I can still see Dick sitting around a breakfast table at Granny's, with his mini-J.B. Phillips translation of the New Testament open, teaching a bunch of motley guys about God and what it means to "walk the walk" of faith; or picture Dick driving toward the basket in a pick-up basketball game at the Parramore cottage on a summer Sunday...

I am just one of the hundreds of (kids) people that Dick (& Barb) impacted during his time as a Young Life leader in the Grand Rapids area. I'll never forget Dick watching football practice at OHHS and remembering my name as I left the field, the basketball & burgers at the cottage and most of all the club talks & bible studies where Dick taught us that Jesus loves us more than we know and that He wants a personal relationship with us.

Barb & family, you are in our thoughts and...

"Ziggy" (as he was dubbed by his college football coach and lifelong friend H.C. Chrouser) was in the words of his college prexy VR Edman "a lad true". Dick donated thousands of lumber feet to the construction of Wheaton's northwoods campus Honey Rock and serve faithfully on its advisory board for decades. Whenever I called him in the past years his upbeat, Christlike character shone thru, never complaining about his progressive illness. In serving his Lord and Fellow Man, Dick was unfailing...

In memory of Dick,
Many years ago, I met Dick and he was kind enough to offer a job to me working in the hardware and later in the lumber yard at Smith Groen while I was attending Calvin College. Working with Dave Beck, Roy Smith and others proved to be a great training ground for my lifelong career in building materials. I will not forget the opportunity that Dick gave me that day. My deepest sympathy to your family. Gary Schripsema

Barbara and Family,
I'm so sorry to hear of Dick's passing. You all are in my prayers. I would love to see you. It's been so long since the family gatherings.
Love and Prayers
Suann Gackler Hewlett

Dick was more like a friend than a boss. It's sad to see him go but knowing he is with the Lord is all joy. May Barb and all his family be comforted in that fact. Dave Beck