Don Parchen went to heaven to be with Heavenly Father on March 10 with family at his side, after an extended illness.  He will rejoin his mother, grandparents, and friend Tony Marushia.

Don was in born in Klammath Falls, OR on November 23, 1959 to Donald Sr. and Patty Parchen. His family moved to Richland in 1962 and has lived here since. He attended Spaulding Elementary, Carmichael Middle School and Col-High, graduating in 1978. During his school years he participated in football, basketball, baseball, and the high jump. 

His first jobs included Sambo’s, Hanford House, Atlas Van Lines and the original Gaslight Pizza.

He met his wife Laurie, in 1980 at a Foghat Concert.  They were married January 23, 1982. During their 34 year marriage they had three children, Angela Rasmussen (Adam), Becky Parchen and Eric Parchen; and two granddaughters, Audrey and Lucy. 

He then began his thirty-two year career as a Nuclear Chemical Operator for the Hanford Project in 1983. During this time he was a member of the union and served as a union steward. 

As an adult, Don continued his active lifestyle. He played softball and volleyball with various community groups and began running in his early 30’s. He competed in several marathons across the northwest and he and his wife participated in the Rainier to Pacific Relay and Bloomsday.

He enjoyed fishing, boating, water skiing, traveling, camping, and hiking with his family. He was a loyal Seahawks fan from their first game. 

Don loved watching his kids’ dance recitals, music concerts, and plays, never missing a show. He was active in coaching his son Eric’s sports teams starting with his first soccer team, his coaching continuing for many years, including basketball, soccer and baseball.

Despite being ill for many years, Don always focused on living life to the fullest. He spent as much time as he could enjoying his hobbies and spending time with those he loved.

Don is survived by his wife Laurie, children Angela (Adam), Becky, and Eric; granddaughters Audrey and Lucy; his father Donald Parchen Sr. (Kathy); siblings Rob (Peggy) Parchen, Debbie (Kraig) Krisher; and five nieces and one nephew.

Don had a strong faith in God, which sustained him throughout his life. He attended Richland Assembly of God and later Columbia Community Church.

 Viewing will be held Sunday, March 13, 2016 from 2:00pm-4:00pm at Events at Sunset in Richland. A memorial service is planned for Friday, March 18^th, 11 AM at Columbia Community Church.

In lieu of flowers please send a donation to the Ronald McDonald House which provides free housing to the family of children battling cancer.