The obituary notice of Michael John PARRISH

Michael was my boss at JTP in the 70s he was a tough boss but he was a great soul.R.I.P Sir 💙

I worked for Michael at his Discount warehouse on Newbridge street and also at the Department store on shields road he took over in the late 80s. I was a young lad at the time and my early memories were of Michael was his warm personality he had this tremendous laugh and a great sense of humour his achievements as a businessman were quite remarkable he introduced the first independent electrical discount warehouse in Newcastle ahead of the likes of comet and curry’s .for which thousands of north east customers benefited from .he also received an enormous amount of respect from local suppliers and leading Brand manufacturer’s as well likes of Electrolux Philips Ferguson ITT to name just a few .
My fondest memories were the times when he was totally outrageous with regards authorities .one example being arrested for leaving
Stock items like fridge freezers outside the shop infringing
some obstruction law. he also had a caring side to his nature he looked after his staff helping staff who sometimes experienced money problems .i can remember him attending Mary our shop cleaners funeral .and at Christmas time every member of staff received a fresh turkey a case of spirits and marks and Spencer’s vouchers . I will always think of my time working for Michael as a great experience. I would like to offer my sincere condolences to Michael’s family

Walter

A Tribute to Mike
Mike burst into my life in the early 60s when he came to learn the retail trade at Chiesman’s Departmental stores in South London, where I was a trainee. He was a larger-than-life character who was the life and soul of the party.
He was the only person at the time with a car, a Morris Minor soft top. It was driven at full speed most of the time. We had one memorable event when the car was overloaded and whilst going round a roundabout the back wheel came off and sped passed the car, as we all lent to over to one side to keep the car upright. We survived.
For several years we went as a group of about 12 friends to Loano in Italy. Mike didn’t speak any Italian but he used to go around saying repeatedly, “Spaghetti Bolognaise” to all and sundry, which got some strange reactions. One woman was heard to say that she thought he was Russian!
Mike and Christine were married nine days after my marriage (my Birthday) which I didn’t attend as I was on Honeymoon.
Mike was a very generous and loyal friend, and although we went our separate ways, we always kept in touch and our families often went on holiday together, especially to the Algarve in Portugal.
In the early 80s my work took me to Newcastle and I stayed at East Grange, Pottery Bank, for many months.
The Parrish hospitality was great, especially Christine’s cooking. I spent many evenings down at the Joiners Arms or the Rugby Club and many nights “Baby sitting” Mark, whilst, Mike and Christine went out for the evening. Mark always beat me at snooker.
65 years of Great memories, wonderful times, life lived to the full. Thankyou Mike, life would have been a lot less fun without knowing you,
May you Rest in Peace.
David Harding

The one and only !
Absolute character, can still remember his wreck of a car .
Typical from the North. I arrived with him at a party with my bottle of wine he had numerous bottles of Newcastle Amber !
One hot night in the Roebuck a none to posh pub in seedy Lewisham. The land lord insisted we had our ties on so we removed our shirts and put our ties back on. Great man , have many happy memories of him .
Keep up the good work Mike.

As children in the forties we loved going with our Mother to Parrishes shop, often we would see Mr. Parrishwalking around, and he spoke to everyone. My Mother said he was a Gentleman.
R.I. P

Sad to hear this great tackling winger has departed.
Many happy years of playing and perhaps the odd pint or two in the club and ending up in the Joiners.
Lovely bloke

In his own words “you be the running winger Bobby, I’ll be the tackling winger.


Bob

So many good and fond memories of Michael during our time together with many others at Chiesmans of Lewisham during the early to late 1960’s, and where we all enjoyed a fantastic social life.

RIP