Robert “Rick” Parsells, born September 14, 1951, of Rio Dell, passed away peacefully after a long battle with cancer on July 15, 2025.

He was a carpenter by trade. He helped build the Fortuna Best Western Country Inn and Best Western Bayshore Inn along with many homes in the county. He loved to hunt and fish.

He was chaos and comfort in equal parts. And somehow, through all the madness, he always knew exactly what to say to make life a little lighter.

He is survived by his life partner, Karen Hower; his children Tina Burns (Trevor), Heidi Elick (Truman), Kenny Hower (Rechelle), Coley Town (Leah), Terra James (Sean), Houston Town, Raina Parrott; his grandchildren Tristan Jeffers, Wyatt Burns, Dannon Parsells, Klayton Miller, Micheline Elick, Tyler Wilford, Gage, Chase and Jace Hower, Gabe, Shiloh and Selah Town, Forrest and Dakota James; his cousin Russell Parsells and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents Robert “Bob” Parsells and Ruby Pauline Parsells, and by his daughter Kristi Parsells.

A celebration of life will be held Sunday, August 10, 2025 at 1 p.m. at the Rio Dell Fire Hall. In true Rick fashion, we invite everyone to bring their funniest stories, memories, or one of his classic one-liners to share- he would want us laughing.

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