Richard Parkhill

Richard David Parkhill, was born September 8, 1937, to John and Elizabeth "Betty" Parkhill in Wenatchee, WA. He passed away on June 19,2024 from Parkinson's Disease at Highgate House Assisted Living in Wenatchee. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Sandy; daughter Wendy McKee; son Dave (Cari) Parkhill; grandsons Brian and Jordan (Anah) Sanchez; Kyle (Olivia) and Britt (Hannah) Parkhill, six great-grandchildren, and brother Mack (Colleen) Parkhill. Dick completed his schooling in Wenatchee, excelling in football and skiing at Wenatchee High School, in addition to holding several class offices. He then graduated from Washington State College in 1959, where he was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity, Alpha Kappa Psi business fraternity, and USAF ROTC. Dick graduated as a 2nd lieutenant in the USAF, and his first assignment was at Eglin AFB, Florida. He and Sandy also lived in Texas before moving to Ramstein AB in Germany for three years. They returned to Wenatchee in 1963, where he was associated with the Gellatly Insurance Agency until his retirement in 1989. During this time he was elected to the President's Council for two years, and the agency received the Safeco Award of Excellence nine times. Dick was an active member of the Wenatchee Exchange Club, serving as President and chairman of the Christmas Tree Sale. He also was a YMCA and YWCA board member, and member of UGN (later United Way). He was a 50+ year member of the First Presbyterian Church, serving as a deacon, elder, youth advisor and a member of several pastor-nominating committees. He was an active choir member and soloist, also singing at many weddings and funerals. In addition to his musical interests, Dick loved restoring classic cars and "woodie" boats. He enjoyed pursuing these hobbies during his retirement. He restored more than 30 vehicles, driving several in the Apple Blossom Festival parades, including a favorite beautifully restored Packard Caribbean convertible. His favorite restored "woodie" was a rare 1941 Chris-Craft, aptly named "CHEERS" and familiar to many on Lake Chelan. Another of Dick's passions was fishing and hiking with buddies into Chelan and Okanogan County high mountain lakes. At last count, 50 of these lakes had been checked off his hiking bucket list. One of his winter pleasures was hiking the mountain trails in Maui A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Remembrances may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation.

Tributes

Richard Parkhill

September 8, 1937 - June 19, 2024