Parry Robert Wells Jr.
Parry Robert Wells Jr, a tinkerer, a guy who could fix most anything, a collector of many things, especially cars, passed away on January 7, 2023 just a few weeks shy of his 68th birthday. His positive and upbeat attitude carried him through his 3 year battle with pancreatic cancer. Parry was born February 2, 1955 in Seattle, Washington. His father, Parry R Wells was an electrician and his mother, Frances Y Wells (Giacolino) was a microfilm operator. He is survived by his son, Jamison E Wells and his two grandchildren Liam and Lucy Wells; Big cat Arthur; sister Christy Schaerer (Gerry); sister-cousin Kathy Giacolino (who accompanied him to all of his chemo and doctor appointments); Uncles Vic Wells and Lyle Pope; Aunts Gerry Gilliam and Darlene Gilmore; many first, second and third cousins and numerous friends.
The family moved to Kirkland Washington in 1958 when it was a rural community. He spent time outside exploring the wooded area, riding motorcycles around the property, and working on cars. The family often visited the many relatives from Redmond, Whidbey Island, Ferndale, Bellingham and Cle Elum throughout his youth. Time with family was a priority for Parry. He made a point after retirement to take both his parents to their family gatherings and visited often so they could be with their siblings and the many nieces and nephews.
He was so happy to welcome his son Jamison into the world in September 1983. He made sure he was involved in Jamison’s life watching him at his weekly karate lessons, taking him camping, and supporting him in whatever way he could to make Jamie’s life easier. He was thrilled to be a part of his two grandchildren Liam and Lucy lives. Parry loved having dinner on Sundays where he watched Liam create his Lego tanks, ships, and spacecrafts and got a kick out of Lucy singing while doing her art or playing with her Barbie’s all while Jamison cooked up a delicious meal for them to share. He loved them dearly and they were the highlight and pride of his life.
Parry’s first job was in the grocery business in 1971 at the Juanita Mayfair when he was 16 years old working as a bagger. He held different positions as a checker, stocker, and Lead night stocker and worked in Lake City and Ballard throughout his 13 year career.
While working in the grocery business and becoming a new dad, he decided to enroll in the electrical apprenticeship program. He spent those years studying and received his journeyman electrician license in 1985 and was an IBEW member. He believed that unions were the cornerstone of society and they protected workers from excessive management oversight, provided a good salary and a guaranteed pension. He was sent out of the union hall to many different job sites where he worked along side his mentors until he landed his job with the Washington State Convention Center in downtown Seattle where he retired in 2011 at the young age of 56.
Parry made friends wherever he went. It was important to him to keep in touch with these friends throughout his life. He spent many years with neighbor and life long friend, Dennis. As Dennis said, “whenever and wherever Parry was invited to a dinner, BBQ, or party, he brought along his taco salad. It was much anticipated and legendary. It wasn’t a party until Parry and his taco salad showed up. Other people would try to copy that salad but it never tasted quite the same.”
He and Dennis frequented a dive bar in Redmond called Palmers and Parry was in his element with people from all backgrounds and walks of life. Whether they were strangers or regulars he had no trouble quickly engaging people in conversation. He was always generous to the bartenders and waitresses there and was loved by all of them.
His quick wit and ability to deliver comebacks on the spot and often caught people by surprise. You might think you got the last word in but Parry would come out on top. He would laugh with you though, not at you.
One of his many great qualities around people was his ability to acknowledge everyone in the room. You could not be a wall flower when he was around, you were eventually going to be brought in and made to feel like you belonged there. He brought people together and found commonality. He never recognized cliques, everyone was equal in his eyes and he treated all with acceptance and listened to their stories. The next time you saw him, he could recall any problem you might have had and would ask how you were doing. It was genuine and sincere all the way. He might not tell you he loved you, but he sure knew how to show you.
Parry was instrumental at bringing friends from elementary to high school together. As one school friend said, we thought of him as our “best brother.” He maintained his friendships with numerous co-workers throughout his careers going out for drinks and dinner, attending concerts and parties or meeting up to experience the thrill of motorcycle riding.
He loved going each year to the British car show usually held at the BCC campus where he would find some parts or manuals for the cars he owned. If you rode with him to the show, you had to make room on the trip back for the carburetors, wheels, and manuals he purchased. He also loved going to the auto auctions and bidding on cars that were impounded and came away with a few bargains.
He enjoyed going to the second hand stores where he collected many things and often said, “I’d rather be looking at in than for it”. He liked listening to music, trying different restaurants, throwing something on the BBQ, watching cooking shows and YouTube where different mechanics would work on their cars, tractors and motorcycles. He’d make that perfect cup of coffee to enjoy in the morning while reading the paper to keep him up on current affairs, and his cats Bert and Arthur were always near by. He especially enjoyed working on his cars and motorcycles throughout his lifetime. He was amazed at the performance of his brand new Honda Rebel 1100 motorcycle he bought, the first new vehicle he had ever purchased! He was so thrilled to find a motorcycle that made it easy for him to get back on a bike. If you had a chance to talk to him or were lucky to ride with him you saw he was just like a kid in the candy store, only his candy was that Rebel.
We will miss his infectious laugh, great smile, sense of humor, generous heart and kind soul.
Come celebrate his short but incredible life at the Happy Valley Grange – 19720 NE 50th Street, Redmond WA on June 3rd from 1:00 to 4:00! Oh and please pass this link on to anyone who would like to read about Parry and attend the celebration!
If you have a favorite photo(s) of Parry or with Parry, please send them to:
The post first appeared on Barton Family Funeral Service.