Let's Honor Bill Parrish's Legacy

We are reaching out to friends and family to join us in honoring Bill Parrish's life by giving him a ceremony and burial as he passed away Sunday morning, September 15th.  

For those of you who don't know, Bill Parrish suffered a hemorrhagic stroke Friday, July 19th and since that time he fought very hard to fully recover.   He survived longer than the doctors expected.  Bill will always be an example of someone who never gives up.  

Bill experienced in his lifetime many health challenges: he had a prior stroke a number of years ago, he had several surgeries for heart stents, he had diabetes most of his adult life which resulted in partial foot amputation,  and he took blood pressure medication.  Bill never allowed his personal health challenges to get in the way of him providing support to others. One would never know the personal problems that he carried  because he always maintained that calm demeanor and warm smile.  Being such a generous person, he always put others first, but never planned for the unforeseen.

Bill Parish has lived an exceptional life.  In the beginning, he managed his own group home for foster children in the City of Philadelphia and lived to see many of these children become successful in their own lives.  He then relocated to Los Angeles where he continued his journey helping at risk youth at Penny Lane Centers. 

A number of coworkers gathered to celebrate his retiring from many years of service at Penny Lane. He was awarded from the City of Los Angeles for his professionalism, loyalty and dedication for serving foster youth, young adults and families at Penny Lane Centers for over 30 years (1987-2018).  

I know many of you have personally been touched by Bill's life: maybe it was an act of kindness extended to you, or having Bill's undivided attention while you expressed  life challenges, or perhaps him speaking an encouraging word when you felt like giving up. 

Many of you did not realize that Bill was an ordained minister who  performed many marriages--perhaps even the union of several of the folks reading this!  As much as he enjoyed joining couples in matrimony, he felt that his true mission in life was to be a conduit of God's love by ministering to people not just with words but by his actions.  

Yet others knew Bill for his singing: maybe you saw him performing while he was on the road as "Plate," the singer, or saw him at Las Hadas Karaoke Restaurant, Winnetka Bowl or another Karaoke venue.  

No matter how you interacted with Bill,  I’m sure it was apparent that he was the real McCoy: a genuine soul.  

There are few people in life who cross your that really make a profound impact.  For many of you, that person was William (Bill) Chester Parrish.  

Bill will forever be remembered and imbedding our hearts.  

Please join us in providing a place where we can honor his memory. 


WE NEED YOUR HELP: The total cost for of the funeral is $7,745.00

Once we get all the funding together, we will be able to plan a proper ceremony to celebrate Bill’s life.  

PLEASE HELP US ACHIEVE THIS GOAL!!!


WE THANK YOU FOR HELPING US!!!