Benjamin F. Parrish

Jul 19, 1932 -

Dec 14, 2021

Benjamin F. Parrish passed peacefully at home with family at his side on Dec. 14, 2021. Ben was born in Honey Grove, Texas, on July 19, 1932, to "Gibb" and Sallie Parrish. He was the youngest of the family and the rigors of rural farm life meant he was in the field picking cotton and doing farmyard chores with his older siblings and father at an early age. This experience no doubt formed his impressive work ethic and resourcefulness with his hands that served him and all those around him for his entire life. A fan of Jack London novels, it did not take much to convince him at age 18 to throw a duffle bag of possessions in the back of a neighbor's flatbed truck and head to Alaska. His first job in Anchorage was working at Gillman's Bakery. He then hired onto the Alaska Railroad. In 1952, Uncle Sam sent 20-yr old Ben a draft notice. He was given two choices: grab a rifle and head to Korea or put on an army uniform and help the war effort by keeping the trains running. Ben chose the latter and on a freight train trip to Seward stopped in at O'Brian's soda fountain for some refreshment. The young lady behind the counter was Eleanor B. Salit, a local Seward woman. Always the southern gentleman, Ben asked Eleanor if he could "carry" her home (Texan for walk) after work. They were married on July 26, 1953 at United Methodist Church in Seward, Alaska. In 1959, Ben and Eleanor moved to O'Malley Road with their three children with a fourth on the way where they still reside today. Ben was a locomotive engineer for the Alaska Railroad for 34 years. He retired in 1985 when the State took over the railroad from the Federal Government.

Ben was known as a gentle, strong and kind man. He loved food (especially dessert), gatherings, many fortunate dogs and cats, and his family. His family is blessed by all the memories of their time with him and all of the adventures they shared. The times in Kenai, the family cabin in Talkeetna and epic trips to Texas in the family station wagons over the Alcan Hwy.

Ben is survived by his loving wife and soulmate of 68 years, Eleanor B. Parrish; his four children and their spouses, Donna Owens (Gary), John Parrish (Kimberly), David Parrish (Shayna) and Kathryn Mitchell (Troy); eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Ben was preceded in death by his twin granddaughters.

A celebration of life will be held next summer at the family cabin in Talkeetna

A special thank you to hospice nurses Sandy and Norma. You are wonderful.