Brent W. Parrish

Brent W. Parrish, 82, died at home on January 29, 2025, following a decades-long fight with prostate cancer and heart disease. Born on April 21, 1942 to Walter F. and Pearl (Wright) Parrish, Brent grew up in Layton, UT with his two brothers and sister.

Brent graduated from Davis High School in 1960. Shortly after graduation, Brent survived a car crash in Farmington canyon that killed his dear friend, Reed Hodgson.

Brent married Marian LaCombe in 1961 (divorced in 1984). Together, they had three children. Football was a family passion. A fierce coach of both sons’ little league football teams, Brent led them to a championship in 1976, followed by back-to-back undefeated seasons and once again Mini Bowl titles in 1983-84. His influence with these young men lives on to this day. He was always referred to as “Coach” when in their presence and he was very proud of that title.

In 1988, Brent married Jeanine Purcell Sparks. The two shared a loving and feisty marriage until Jeanine passed in 2022. He greatly enjoyed helping people and counted as one of his finest accomplishments supporting four of their combined children through university and some advanced degrees.

His career at Hill Air Force Base spanned from 1963 to 1998, covering a variety of roles, culminating in Chief Contracting Officer. His hard-nosed, tenacious, and creative negotiating skills led him to play a pivotal role in the BRAC’s privatization of Ohio’s Newark Air Force Base in 1996. Following his retirement, Brent worked as a consultant for Logistic Specialties, Inc. for several years.

Brent was an accomplished fly-fisherman and pheasant hunter. He and Jeanine built a beloved cabin on Henry’s Fork of the Snake River where many happy days were shared with family and friends. Brent loved “pups.” He relished watching bird dogs perform and grew to adore the family’s lap dogs (and cockatiel).

Above all, Brent cherished his family and was much loved in return. He was a truly “great” grandpa.

He is survived by his children: Charles R. Parrish; Christopher J. Parrish (wife DeAnn Parrish); and Catherine Parrish Lake (husband Matthew J. Lake); grandchildren: Lyndsie W. Parrish; Ashley Clark (husband Taylor Clark); Zachary B. Parrish; and Nathan P. Lake; and great-grandchild: Blakely Clark; his siblings: Walter Parrish; Joan (husband Noal) Johnston; and Robert (wife Maddy) Parrish; stepchildren: Jed P. Sparks (wife Kimberlee Sparks); and Jill P. Sparks (wife Michelle O. Sparks); and step-grandchildren: Liam P. Sparks; Lilly Unsworth-Sparks; and Morgan Unsworth-Sparks.

A life celebration will be held on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, with a program starting at 11:00 am, at the Lindquist Layton Mortuary, 1867 N. Fairfield Road, Layton, Utah.

A link to the live stream of the program can be found on www.lindquistmortuary.com at the bottom of Brent’s obituary page.

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