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WILLIAM BRUCE PARRISH
Born: May 08, 1926
Date of Passing: Aug 14, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryWILLIAM BRUCE PARRISH
It is with great sadness, but also immense gratitude for a life so wonderfully lived, that we announce the passing of William (Bill) Bruce Parrish on August 14, 2026. Bill reached the remarkable age of 100 years. A century of life brought him countless memories, friendships, and adventures.
Bill will be fondly remembered by his children, Bill Jr. (Theresa), David (Mary-Beth) and Liz (John); and grandchildren, Sam (Kristin), Ben (Mollie), David Jr., Lauren, Stephen, and Mina; and great-grandchildren, Lincoln and Brooks. He was predeceased by his wife of 70 years Donna Marie Parrrish.
Born at Winnipeg on May 8, 1926, son of Frederick William Parrish and Vera Eileen Cadle, he attended Grosvenor School and Kelvin High School. In 1943, he began studying Agriculture at the University of Manitoba but soon left to enlist in the Canadian Army.
After his military discharge in 1946, he joined the family agricultural commodities firm of Parrish & Heimbecker (P&H). He was passionate about the company and devoted over 60 years to P&H. Bill became president in 1988 and Chairman in 2000. Bill retired in 2009. Throughout these years he was also a director of the Lake Shippers Clearance Association, Winnipeg Grain Exchange, Great Lakes Elevator Company Limited, Grain Insurance & Guarantee Company, Modern Dairies Limited, and Monarch Life.
On July 14, 1954, he married Donna Marie McInnes, and they subsequently had two sons and a daughter. Bill and Donna had an incredibly special relationship with common interests and a love of people. Their two favourite places in the world were Kauai and their cottage at Lake of the Woods. Every winter, for over 30 years, Donna and Bill would enjoy time in Kauai playing gin rummy on their lanai as they watched the sun set.
In the summers, they would enjoy time at Lake of the Woods with family and friends. Bill loved puttering around the cottage starting (but not necessarily finishing) countless projects. One of his greatest loves was his old wooden boat – the ‘Peggy Lynn’. So many happy days were spent out on the lakes, cruising, visiting friends and simply enjoying the freedom of being on the water. Bill loved being at the helm, but even more, he loved sharing the experience with others.
Another fond memory of Lake of the Woods was family picnics. Bill loved getting aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends together to find a lone island to descend upon for a picnic. There was always a wonderful sense of excitement as we all piled into boats to head up the lake together.
One of the places where Bill was happiest was at the family compound north of the city on the Red River, affectionately called Linton Lodge. It was more than just a cottage to him – it was a place where family, friends and business associates came together, and where Bill loved nothing more than being the host. He loved entertaining and Bill enjoyed people. He genuinely relished meeting someone new, hearing their stories, and learning about the life they lived. It did not matter who you were or what you did for a living – he treated everyone with the same kindness, respect, and genuine interest.
Bill also had a deep love for his community and believed strongly in the importance of giving back. He generously shared his time, energy and talents through the Boards and organizations he served. Whether lending his leadership, offering thoughtful advice, or simply rolling up his sleeves to help, he cared deeply about making a difference.
Bill served on many Boards and organizations. He was Chairman of the Health Sciences Centre (1980-1984) and The Winnipeg Foundation (1993-1996), and President of the Manitoba Division of the Canadian Cancer Society (1965-1970) and Manitoba Club (1992). He served on the Board of Westminster United Church where he was a lifelong member.
In recognition of his community service, he received the Order of Canada (1995). He was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Manitoba (1996), a City of Winnipeg Community Service Award (1997), a Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal (2002), and a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012).
Bill’s long life was a gift to all of us who had the privilege of knowing him. His kindness, wisdom and presence will remain in our hearts forever. He died peacefully at Grace Hospital on August 14, 2026.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please give to a charity that is meaningful to you and your family.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 05, 2026
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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It's with a great sadness that I learned about the passing of William (Bill) Bruce Parrish. Bill was a great friend and a true contributor to the advancement of agriculture and grain milling processes in Western Canada. I got to know him well when he offered me to conduct field trials on the farm land by his cabin on Hwy 9. Despite his limited mobility the last few years, Bill always managed to make it to the plots to have our regular chat about varieties and what we are testing for their fertility. My deepest condolences to Bill family and loved ones. He'll be greatly missed and fondly remembered. RIP my friend. - Posted by: Abdel ElHadrami (Friend) on: Sep 18, 2026
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I worked for Dominion Malting (now Malteroup) selecting malting barley and later in production. I met him in the Grain Exchange and at some social functions. He always knew you and interested in your work and personal life. It was a pleasure to know him. He was a great asset to the Grain Industry. (He once personally brought a sample of barley for selection ) Quite a guy My condolenses to his family - Posted by: Bob Kenyon (Know through the Grain Business) on: Sep 11, 2026
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I had the great privilege and honor of working with Mr. Parrish, or Mr. P, as he was affectionately known, when I worked as a receptionist at P&H from 1980 to 1982. He was by far the most generous and caring boss I've ever had the great pleasure of working with. I was a young 19-year-old when I was hired on full-time as the receptionist at P&H. I was first hired as a "Kelly Girl" to fill in for the receptionist, and when she decided not to come back, I was asked if I wanted to stay on full-time. My answer was a resounding "YES"! This was my first job, and it was my DREAM job. Mr. Parrish had a knack for making people feel at ease and he made sure the office culture was one where everyone felt welcome. I remember with fondness the amazing Christmas parties he would put on for the employees - always 2 parties - one in office and one at a rented hall. He was a great man and will be sorely missed by all who knew him. My sincere condolences to the Parrish family - you are in my thoughts and prayers. Debra (Debbie) Stansfield (nee Bayes) - receptionist 1980 to 1982 - Posted by: Debra Stansfield (Former P & H employee) on: Sep 07, 2026
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I want to send out our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Bill. It was an honour to be able to get to know Bill, Donna and all his family! I worked for them for a couple years and will never forget the family. He was almost like a grandparent to me. He was a special person who had the kindest heart but a very knowledgeable mind. It truly breaks my heart hearing of his passing, but know he’s now with our lord and saviour aswell with Donna. I will cherish every memory and advice forever! God Bless!!! - Posted by: Andrea Pshyk (Friend/Worked for Bill) on: Sep 07, 2026
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Great guy, great family, a great friend. David & Laurie lamb Wagner. rIp bill. - Posted by: David Wagner (Friend LLP LP) on: Sep 05, 2026