John C Parry

Candi, Thinking of you and your family. From our heart to yours. Don and Anita

Dear Candi and Family, My condolences on the death of your dear John. I hope your friends and family help you through this sad time. Love, Karen

My heartfelt condolences to Candi and the family. What a life well lived and a beautiful remembrance. Integrity, kindness and character describe both John and Candi. In the days ahead, I hope that many good memories warm your heart and perhaps from some heavenly "signs" from John will let you know that
he is still very much by your side, cheering and coaching you on from the other side. True love never dies. Godspeed.

I met John in 1963 when he was the proctor in my freshman dorm at Brown. John was a star on the varsity football team and I was a bench warmer on the freshman team. That disparity was lost on him as he treated me as treated me as a friend and co equal. He was smart, talented and a strong leader. But in his unassuming way John may have been the only Brown student who didn´t recognize his status as a "big man on campus". My relationship with John continued as I joined his fraternity, Lambda Chi Alpha, where I became his "scut" while ensuring initiation. I lost track of John after graduation although I did see articles from time to time about his career. Now 60+ years later he´s gone and it´s too
late to say thank you.

I was a young coach when John was my AD at Butler. He taught me that we can be kind, compassionate and demanding at the same time. He displayed how to lead with integrity and high expectations while caring deeply for the those around us. I have now been coaching volleyball for 39 years and I owe many thanks to John for guiding me through those early years. He was the best leader, teacher, friend, and mentor a young coach could have. He was true a champion of women. Our world lost a great man.

Truly a thought leader in NCAA intercollegiate athletics! John Parry had great visions for the athletic experiences for both men's and women's student-athletes. He mentored many in the profession. Extremely likable person who saw the good in all and was always respectful of your opinion even if it differed from his. A true family man. Enjoyed many comparison stories of how our young children faired when mom was out of town on business and we laughed so hard at the many similarities regarding the adventures. An administrator you could count on to always do the right thing. A man of integrity always! John Parry was so highly respected by all who worked with him and for him. A great team player! My life and career was better for having crossed paths with John Parry and I treasure that time with him in the Horizon League. You were so loved and will be forever missed! Rest in peace!

Carolyn O'Connell
Former Sr. Associate AD - Loyola University

We got to know John and Candi during my time on the staff at the Midwestern Collegiate Conference (precursor to the Horizon League) in Indianapolis during the 1990's. I have many positive memories from that portion of the journey, which included nearly daily opportunities to collaborate with John related to Conference business (Butler was a member of the MCC in those days) and/or our multiple times co-hosting the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship.

I remember John as a passionate administrator, a good guy with a sense of humor, a family man and genuine person. Of the many experiences which come to mind, one of the first to pop up involves a meeting of the MCC Directors of Athletics (I believe John was chair of the group at the time) during which we discovered a fairly significant mismanagement of the conference's finances as we were navigating a leadership transition. It was a serious situation and one which, as a young administrator serving in an interim lead role, was daunting. I distinctly remember the calm professionalism with which John approached the situation and the positive experience of our collaboration to address the circumstances and chart a path forward.

Our thoughts are with Candi and the entire family at this time. Wishing everyone fond memories to replace sorrow and all the best in the times ahead.

Bret & Leah Gilliland (Colorado Springs, Colorado)