Obituary of Brian Parra

Brian Parra

May 17, 1967-December 10, 2021

Brian passed away on December 10, 2021, at the age of 54 from an aneurysm.  Brian was the first child of Raymond and Patricia Parra and grew up in Milwaukie, Oregon and attended school in the North Clackamas School District. Brian was active with Special Olympics his whole life, participating in track & field, basketball, and bowling. Anyone who knew Brian was very aware of his love of bowling. He earned many trophies over the years and was an active bowler until a few years ago. Brian was also an avid Portland Trailblazer fan. Growing up and into his early adult life he enjoyed going to Blazer games and cheering on his team. One of his prized possessions is a framed picture of him and one of his favorite Blazers, Dave Twardzik.  Brian also loved to travel and has been to 24 of the 50 states and Canada. Some of his favorite places were Dollywood, Disneyland, Universal Studios, the Rock and roll Hall of Fame, the Basketball Hall of Fame, and the Football Hall of Fame. No matter where he was going, he was always up for a fun time. On many travel adventures no one was a stranger to him as he always went up to people and introduced himself as if they were old friends.

Brian has been part of the Bethesda Lutheran Communities since 1994. Brian formed long and lasting friendships with many of the Bethesda clients and roommates he has had over the years. Over the last 10 years Brian has shared a home with roommates Chris, Wayne, Irwin, and Raymond. These men were a family and shared many years of fun times and lasting memories with Brian. The staff working at all the places Brian lived have become family and Brian loved every one of them.

Even though Brian lived with Down Syndrome and had struggles with his health he did complete the goals he wanted in life. Those were to have friends, have a job, and live on his own. His health had been declining over the last four years and it was a hard road for him. Brian is now free of his mind and body and having one huge bowling party with his family and friends in heaven.

Brian is survived by his father Raymond, mother Patricia, sisters Suzanne Pentheny, and Jennifer May (Kenny), nephews Brandon Pentheny (Danielle) and Riley Pentheny (Lorna), numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Brian is preceded in death by his grandparents Shorty & Freida Parra and Ed & Dorothy Campbell.

There will be a rosary and funeral mass on Friday January 14, 2022 at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church 417 Washington Street Oregon City, Oregon. Rosary at 10:30 and mass at 11:00.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in Brian’s name to Bethesda Lutheran Communities of Oregon. If you choose to donate, please make sure you request your donation go to the state of Oregon. https://bethesdalc.org/get-involved/donate/#.Yc4EEbhKg2w