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Joshua Allen Parrish

April 19, 1980 - Nov. 1, 2008

Published/Last Modified on Thursday, Nov 06, 2008 - 06:21:51 am MST

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Joshua Allen Parrish went home to be with the Lord on Nov. 1, 2008. After courageously fighting a 15-month battle with cancer, he passed away surrounded by his family and friends.

Josh was born to Charles and Nanci Parrish on April 19th, 1980. He was born in Benson, Ariz., but he was raised in Sierra Vista, Ariz. He graduated from Buena High School in 1998 and attended Cochise College. He was a member of First Baptist Church.

Josh was a dedicated husband and father and took his strength from his family and faith in God. He made his family the center of his life and lived to support and raise his two children. Josh is an example of strength and selflessness.

Joshua Allen Parrish

For the last nine years Josh supported the U.S. Army Information Systems Engineering Command (ISEC) as a contractor and as a civil servant. His hard work, knowledge and dedication to the U.S. Army and the soldiers his efforts supported were recognized by his superiors and co-workers.

Josh was an avid four wheeler and frequently enjoyed the rugged Southern Arizona outdoors from his 4X4. He supported the off road community by co-hosting the Wheeling Arizona Web forum. His contribution to this community was repaid when countless members of Wheeling Arizona teamed up to help complete Josh’s Land Cruiser project when he became sick. Their efforts will forever be appreciated by Josh and his family.

Josh is survived by his wife, Rosalyn and their two sons, Aiden and Ethan; his mother and father, Charles and Nanci Parrish of Sierra Vista; his half-sister, Angie (Jim Caza)of Florida; sister, Julie (Jeff Crowley) of Sierra Vista; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Frank and Gilma Santos of Sierra Vista; and numerous nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles and cousins.

He is proceeded in death by his maternal grandparents, Howard and Elsie Rich of Pennsylvania, and paternal grandfather, Charles Parrish of Sierra Vista.

A memorial service will take place on Friday, Nov. 7, 2008, at 1:30 p.m. at the Main Post Chapel on Fort Huachuca. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the University Medical Center’s Cancer Center, in Tucson, in Josh’s name.

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Fellow Co-Worker With Josh wrote on Nov 21, 2008 1:38 PM:

" To Josh's Family: Josh will forever be a hero to me. May he rest in peace knowing what he gave will never be forgotten and his legacy will carry on through his sons. I hope his loved ones will know many of us share their pride in Josh. We will never forget him. "

Alicia Winborn wrote on Nov 16, 2008 8:32 AM:

" Josh was an amazing person and always made me laugh on a bad day. He will be surely missed and my prayers go out to his wonderful family! "

Another Tom wrote on Nov 15, 2008 8:41 AM:

" I too am so very sorry for the loss of your son, brother, husband, father. So very young! May our Heavenly Father give you strength to get through every moment of every day. "

Joshs Co-Worker wrote on Nov 13, 2008 6:10 PM:

" Here's sending thoughts and prayers to Josh's entire family. I thank his parents for bringing him into this world to share with us. Just remember, the key to surviving something like this is to only think of the happy and great times you were blessed to have with Josh, then you'll smile and feel all good inside. Then you'll know everything is going to be A-OK. That's what I do when I think of Josh. God Bless. "

Noel Follrich and Family wrote on Nov 9, 2008 7:44 AM:

" Rosie we are very sorry to hear about Josh. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this time. "

A Pal of Mine wrote on Nov 8, 2008 10:27 PM:

" Josh was one of the greatest men I've ever know. He always made time for his family and frinds. You could tell he was loved by somwhere between 500 & 600 persons who turned out for his service at the Main Chapel on Ft. Huachuca. Col Cox and his Brother In Law Jeff described the kind of Caring & Loving person Josh was! I know his contributions to all will Never Be Forgotten. RIP Josh. We all Love & Honor you more than you will ever realized! "

Tiffany Cheshire Robles wrote on Nov 8, 2008 1:14 PM:

" Dearest Julie and Family, I am so very sorry for your loss. What words cannot express, my heart does. Growing up, Josh was always the 'little brother' and I'm truly sorry I never knew him as a man. I remember seeing him at the nursrey at church and couldn't believe he was so grown up, he was so good with my little boy. I know he's with the Lord and my family and I send all our thoughts and prayers to you and your family. "

Tom first family pastor wrote on Nov 7, 2008 7:07 PM:

" We sorrow with you. Remember that the moment Josh closed his eyes in life God gave him a new body fit to be in His eternal presence.
Someone suggested a "Minute Vacation" to help in times that life gets hard. Select 2 or 3 times that were special to you and Josh. At those times take a minute to remember one of those moments. We continue to pray with you. "

Very Proud Big Sister wrote on Nov 7, 2008 8:59 AM:

" My brother was the most amazing person I've ever known! We are all so much better for knowing him! He never gave up and fought with all his heart and soul! Thank you to everyone who prayed for our family and supported us with everything we needed! Thank you to everyone who donated their leave time to Josh, Rosie, and Mom! We can't tell you enough what a relief that was! If you have any pictures, stories, memories, etc. that you would like to share with us please email me at memoriesofjosh@hotmail.com "

Lisa Dennis wrote on Nov 7, 2008 8:42 AM:

" You have never met me, but I feel like I knew Josh and his wonderful family. I have been receiving e-mail updates and prayer requests from Tommy Lunday here at APS and have been passing them on to my prayer chain at church and praying for you all. You have touched many lives. I know the Lord has healed Josh completely. I pray that He will now heal the sorrow in your lives and you will be able to focus on the thousands of happy memories that I know you have. God bless your family "

nature wrote on Nov 7, 2008 7:52 AM:

" My prayers are with your family. "

Bo wrote on Nov 7, 2008 7:37 AM:

" RIP Buddy. You will be missed greatly. You were a fighter right to the end. You never gave up hope and never let it get you down. WheelingArizona will never be the same without you. Our hearts go out to Rosie and the boys and the rest of Joshs family. "

A friend wrote on Nov 7, 2008 7:36 AM:

" I am so very sorry for the loss of your son, brother, husband, father. "

Angie Caza wrote on Nov 7, 2008 6:20 AM:

" My brother was a very special person, respected by all. He is at peace now and that is what is getting our family through this difficult time. I also wish to thank everyone who donated thier vacation time to Josh as well as thier prayers. He fought a long & hard battle all the way to the end. Josh will never be forgotten but will be missed by all of us everyday. He has touched all of our lives and I am truly blessed that I could call him my brother. Angie & JimCaza,Florida "

Al Nanci Parrish wrote on Nov 6, 2008 9:14 PM:

" Our son Joshua brought so much into our lives and blessed us with two Grandsons and a loving wife, who like Josh would light up our lives when they entered a room. It makes a dad so proud when total strangers would come up to me and tell me how much Josh was respected and liked by all. We wish to thank all who donated their leave time and all their prayers that are still coming in. Josh may be gone from this earth, but his memories will never be forgotten! God bless each and every one of you! Sincerely "

The Anton Family Laney from Aidens old school wrote on Nov 6, 2008 9:07 PM:

" Rosie, Aiden and Ethan- We can't begin to imagine what you are going through. Our thoughts are with you and our hearts break for you. I wish there was something we could do for you. If there is please call me. "

curious wrote on Nov 6, 2008 7:32 PM:

" I worked with Josh and donated as much leave as I could to him. He will always be remembered by his team mates and co-workers as we remember those that have preceded him in passing from CMET-1 and CMET-2. There have been many that have succumbed to cancer within our work force. God's Speed Josh. "

Sypathetic Reader wrote on Nov 6, 2008 2:56 PM:

" I'm so sorry to the family. I share in your grief as I just lost my brother on Oct. 11, I hope you turn to your faith for stregnth and know you will see him again. "

fellow grad wrote on Nov 6, 2008 11:18 AM:

" I'm so glad I got to see Josh one last time at our 10 year reunion this summer. Such a kind hearted person, He will be missed by all of us. "

Leslie Higgins wrote on Nov 6, 2008 11:17 AM:

" Charles, Nanci, Julie & Rosie- You're in my thoughts and prayers. Josh was pretty fantastic and he'll definately be missed. Love, Les & Tay "

Leslie Higgins wrote on Nov 6, 2008 11:12 AM:

" Joshy. Miss you already. I'm thankful I got to see you one more time before you left us. I'm very, very thankful. Thank you for the fun-times & the memories! I'll always remember them. You had a heart of gold & the spirit of a warrior. You were a terrific friend and your boys will always know how much you were loved, adored & respected. We love you & we'll miss you, always. Love, Les
Aloha O'e. "

Former Classmate wrote on Nov 6, 2008 11:08 AM:

" I went to school with Josh and we shared many classes, starting back in elementary school. I remember him as being a kind, funny, quirky, and smart kid. Though I haven't seen him in many years, my thoughts go out to his family. "

Dahlia wrote on Nov 6, 2008 8:11 AM:

" I am so sorry for your loss Julie! I will continue to keep your family in my prayers! "