Ronald Keith Parrish, 82

Ronald Keith Parrish, known to his loved ones as Ron, passed away on July 25, 2023, at the age of 82 in Barrington, Ill. Ron was born on June 2, 1941, in Fairmont, W.Va., to Ralph and Juanita Greene Parrish. He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandson, Mason Parrish.

Ron is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara; his daughter, Kelly (Steve Carbon) of Bloomingdale, Ill.; his oldest son, Brad (Wendy) Parrish of Pittsburgh, Pa., his son Christopher (Ilisa) Parrish of Woodstock, and his son Doug (Sarah) Parrish of Eagle, Colo.; and his 11 grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Ron had an impressive educational background, having obtained his Master’s in Education from Northern Illinois University, an MBA from Rutgers University, and a degree in industrial engineering from West Virginia University.

Throughout his career, Ron held executive positions at several companies, including Westinghouse, Sun Electric, Acushnet Rubber, and John Crane. In addition to his corporate roles, Ron served as an adjunct professor at Fairleigh Dickinson University, West Virginia University, and full-time faculty at Northern Illinois University.

Ron was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Woodstock, where he served as an elder. He found solace and community in his faith.

Outside of his professional life, Ron had a variety of interests and hobbies. He dedicated his time to public service as the village president of Bull Valley for multiple terms and as a member of the McHenry County College Board of Trustees. Ron was also the president of the Bull Valley Riding Club and BVA, and a member of the Woodstock Country Club. He had a passion for woodworking and cherished his Valley View Farm, where he farmed for nearly 40 years. Ron enjoyed outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, boating, and traveling the world with his wife, Barbara, and their friends.

Above all, Ron cherished spending time with his family, and they adored him in return.

A visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. this Friday, July 28^. and memorial service for Ron will be held from 11 to noon, with visitation again 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, July 29^. both at the First Presbyterian Church of Woodstock. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the West Virginia University Industrial and Management Systems Engineering program or the McHenry County Community College. For donations to MCC, please go to mchenry.edu/donate/designate (Ron Parrish Student Relief Fund). For donations to WVU please go to give.wvu.edu/give/430783/#!/donation/checkout designate (Ron Parrish 2V070).

Ronald Keith Parrish will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his successful career, and his commitment to his community. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.