Sourcing

Remembering John Parrish, Photographer Who Lived for Now

SourcingApr 12, 2016

Remembering John Parrish, Photographer Who Lived for Now

The renowned gemstone photographer died on April 1 from injuries sustained in a fall on a camping trip. He was 65.

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Dallas--John Parrish, the renowned gemstone photographer who lived life to the fullest, died April 1 after he fell while preparing ropes for rock climbing on a camping trip in Oklahoma. He was 65.

Born Nov. 18, 1950, Parrish, owner of Parrish Photography, is known in the jewelry industry for his amazing close-up shots of gemstones and jewelry, shooting for stones companies, designers and competitions like the American Gem Trade Association’s Spectrum Awards.

He was an optimistic, steadfast and creative man who, in addition to photography, loved his family, nature and placed great importance on what he called “the gift of now”--being fully present in the moment.

Parrish was active with his church, Greenland Hills United Methodist, and worked with an organization called HATS (High Adventure Treks for Dads and Daughters), a Dallas-based nonprofit that promotes communication between fathers and their daughters through outdoor experiences and activities.

His “passion, artistry, dedication to excellence, creativity, his love for people, and his sincere desire to find a solution that worked for everyone will be missed,” his partner of 27 years, Trish, said in a statement. “He lives in us. We are all better for having known him.”

Parrish is survived by his wife, Trish; the two daughters who were his life, Karen Dove and Kaila Rose; three sisters, Maggie Parrish (California); Mila and Lee Biberdorf (Arizona); and Martha and Michael Bush (Pennsylvania); and many other loved ones.

Services were held Saturday.

The family is asking for memorial gifts to be given to the Greenland Hills Memorial Garden, where a garden is being built in Parrish’s memory. Checks can be sent to Greenland Hills Memorial UMC Memorial Garden, 5835 Penrose, Dallas, TX 75206.
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

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