Mark Chad Parrish

Reno - Mark Parrish, 67 passed away unexpectedly at his home Feb. 6, 2024. He was born on Dec. 9, 1956 in Pico Rivera, CA. He was raised in Southern CA where he attended Wilson High School. He was president of his high school's FFA chapter; he raised chickens, gardened and won several awards at the LA County Fair. He majored in Ornamental Landscape at Mount San Antonio college in Southern CA. After college he started his own landscape maintenance business. In 1982, he moved to Reno with his first wife Leslie. Together they had a son, Mark Jackson and daughter Sarah. Being a natural entrepreneur he started his own landscape company, Lawn King of Nevada. During the off season he learned many homebuilding and finishing trades.

In 1990, he married the love of his life Cathy. Shortly afterward he got a job with City of Reno Parks where he was employed for over 10 years; however he returned in 2008 and 2009 for seasonal employment. He made many lifelong friendships there. Together Mark and Cathy bought a fixer upper house where his skills were able to shine. He transformed what was the worst house on the block into one of the best. He enjoyed yard work, gardening, repairing things in his workshop (that he built), watching football, going on road trips and spending time with his rescue cats.

In 2001, he retired from the city and joined Cathy in operating Flowers by Patti where he stayed employed until his health forced his retirement in 2012. He was instrumental in relocating the shop to its current location, remodeling the interior, including designing and building the customer counter.

In 2015, his first grandson Mark Alan (Markey) was born, followed by Jackson in 2020. He loved his family, his children and grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them. He loved animals, especially cats. At the time of his passing he had 7 rescue cats.

Mark was preceded in death by his father Mark Alan (Sr.). He is survived by his wife of 33 years Cathy, son Mark (Erin), daughter Sarah (Denney), grandsons Markey and Jackson, mother Patti, brothers Matt and Mitch, nephew Andy, and nieces Amber and Samantha. A private visitation was held Feb 16.

A celebration of life will be held at Bartley Ranch's Western Heritage Center and Pavilion Plaza on Friday, June 14 at 1:30. Please call 775-825-6111 for further info.