Robert Lee Parish

Robert "Bob" Lee Parish, age 84, of Little Canada, formerly of Delavan, Minnesota, passed away at home on May 2, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.

Bob was born on April 20, 1942, to Edward and Lucille Parish in Delavan, MN where he was raised with his four siblings. The Parish family ran an independent telephone company, Delavan Telephone Company. Bob grew up working as a lineman, and he and his brother Ron later traveled to New York to represent the company. There, they completed dial training with the Stromberg-Carlson division of General Dynamics, learning the fundamentals of XY dial systems to oversee the transition to dial phones.

Bob was gifted in athletics, playing as a key basketball player and excelling in football, helping take his team to the Border League All-Conference. After graduating from Delavan High School in 1960, Bob enlisted in the Air Force. He became a Staff Sergeant and spent four years in the military, which he liked to jokingly refer to as "potato peeling." Part of his time was spent at the remote (and cold) Sparrevohn Air Force Station in Alaska.

Following his service, Bob attended Control Data Institute, where he spent several years in the Philippines working in the electronics field. He also worked in construction, where he met his soon-to-be bride, Barbara. They married in 1981 and shared 45 wonderful years together. They enjoyed attending plays, spending time outdoors, and sharing many meaningful experiences.

Bob took a position at Wilson Tool and worked as a machinist until his retirement. He loved to travel and cherished many trips with his sister and brother-in-law, Ed, riding motorcycles to places such as Missouri, the Grand Tetons, Jasper, Canada, Yellowstone, Grand Marais, and Arizona. He often spoke fondly of these memories. Bob had a deep appreciation for nature and enjoyed observing wildlife, including ducks, eagles, and deer. One of his favorite pastimes was photographing nature. He had many cameras, lenses, and camouflaged gear, and found great joy in quietly observing and capturing the beauty of the outdoors. Many of his favorite photos were taken right in the backyard of their Little Canada home-it felt like a slice of wilderness.

In his later years, Bob found happiness spending time with Barb and family, riding his electric bike, and eventually purchasing his dream car- Porsche. Although he loved fast cars, Bob would always say he would never go over 80 mph. Bob had a knack for finding great deals and loved sharing his discoveries-whether it was bulk packs of razors or big containers of hot chocolate. He was a caring man who was always willing to lend a helping hand, talk sports, and share his love of photography.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Lucille "Nellie" Parish, and his brother, Ronald (Pat), Marcia Pinnow (Curtis), Douglas Proehl (Caroline), Sheila Proehl (Doug) Deborah Proehl, Arnold (Iona Wacker Proehl). He is survived by his wife, Barbara; sister Sandra (Dan) Bruzek, sister Karen (Ed) Kramer; sister Gayle Parish; sister-in-law Pat Parish; Lois Proehl (Gordon), Steven Proehl (Deborah Carlson), (Cleone); Sheila Proehl (Doug), and countless nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss him dearly.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Bob's sister's (Karen) home on May 30, 2026. Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m., with the service at 11:00 a.m. and a luncheon to follow. Location: 7860 Fawn Lake Dr NE Stacy, MN 55079

Burial will be held on May 31, 2026, at Rice Lake Cemetery in Delavan, MN at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob's memory.