Dec. 22, 2010
Donald Wesley Parish, 89, of Bay Mills passed away Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2010 at War Memorial Hospital. He was born on July 22, 1921 in Bay Mills.
Don served in the U.S. Navy during WWII, and was discharged as a gunners mate 3rd Class at the end of the war. He was a member of VFW Post 9023 in Brimley, MI.
Don was the oldest male member of the Bay Mills Indian Community. He served as chairman of the Bay Mills Tribe for two terms, vice-chairman for three terms, and councilman for one term, from 1969 through 1983.
Don loved to talk with people about anything. He would get letters from people he had met from all across the United States. He called bingo for the tribal bingo several times a week. He was known as “The Singing Bingo” caller. Currently, he can be seen on the Bay Mills Resort and Casino Billboards throughout Michigan and Sault, Ontario.
He is survived by daughters; Donelda (William) Schofield, Darla Schofield, Denise “Peach” Parish, Doris (Bob) Jarman, Dawn (Tony) LeBlanc and Della (Keith) Keenan; also survived by son’s; D. Walt (Ina), Duane (Becky) , Dean (Patty) and Danny (Deb) all of Bay Mills. He is also survived by 23 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild; he is also survived by his brother Francis (Beatrice) Parish.
He was predeceased by his wife Ruth; son’s – David and Douglas; daughter Geraldine; granddaughter; Diane; parents, Wesley and Adele Parish; sisters, Eleanor Paramo, Doris Reykers and Catherine Shaw; brothers, Clarence, Clayton and Arnold Parish.
Visitation will be Monday, Dec. 27, 2010 from 5 to 8 p.m. with prayers at 7 p.m. and again on Tuesday Dec. 28, 2010 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Blessed Kateri Catholic Church in Bay Mills.
Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday Dec. 28, 2010 at 11 a.m. at Blessed Kateri Catholic Church with Father Ted Brodeur officiating.
Clark Bailey Newhouse Funeral Home is assisting the family
