Parr Harold Sainsbury

SALEM -Parr Harold Sainsbury, Surrounded by family, he slipped quietly away on the afternoon of March 25, 2012 into the welcoming arms of those who gave him the foundation of integrity that he carried with him all of his days. Parr epitomized the devoted spirit of his pioneering parents and grandparents who established a loving family of honest, hard working people. Parr attended school in Pocatello Idaho, where he was an all-star athlete. He graduated from Idaho State University in Business. Parr still holds the record at ISU for a 98 yard touchdown. His best decision in life was marrying his high school sweetheart Joyce Henderson on March 8, 1952. His life's work was making sure she knew she was his eternal sweetheart. His father was a printer and he was one too, he loved the smell of ink and had a passion for paper. He collected reams and reams of it.
Parr worked in the Printing Division for the State of Oregon at the time he retired. His membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was a treasure to him, and he was an example to many as he served in numerous callings. He was most proud of his children when they were magnifying their callings. He loved being a worker at the Portland Temple, and did so for twelve years.
On first meeting, Parr might seem to have had a gruff exterior but deep inside he was a teddy bear. He laughed out loud at a good joke and was easily moved to tears by a tender story. He had an eye for beautiful women and thought Joyce the most beautiful of all, with his four daughters running a close second to his beloved wife. Daddy loved babies and babies loved him. At a time when it was acceptable for fathers to leave the feeding and changing of babies to their mothers, Dad enjoyed those tasks. He was a wonderful father, grandfather and great grandfather.
Parr was quick with a compliment, lifted others, stepped up to all challenges, was very meticulous in all he did, and lovingly expressed his gratitude until the very end. How we will miss him! Parr is survived by Joyce his wife of 60 years, and his daughters Pam Havig (Don), Jo Strawn, Ketti Jackson (Dorson), Marge' Cook (Scott), son Benson Sainsbury (Heidi), brother Jan Sainsbury (Glenna), 16 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Margaret Sainsbury, and his grandsons, Caleb Parr Sainsbury, and Baby Boy Meacham. Services will be held Monday, April 2, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the LDS Church 2530 Boone Rd. SE, Salem, OR. Visitation, Sunday April 1, 6-8 pm at Restlawn Funeral Home, or at the church preceding the funeral services, 10-10:45. Internment at Belcrest Memorial Park.