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32 The Nevada Traverse Vol.51, No.3, 2024We will never see the likes of John Steven Parrish again. But we could do worse than aspiring to be like him. Always helpful, always kind and always time to help a friend. We are blessed to have known him.Thoughts from Robert McMillan, PLS:Except for those land surveyors who wrote textbooks that we studied in and out of school, Steve touched more land surveyors%u2019 careers than any other surveyor of our time. The difference between Steve and the published authors is that he did it on a personal level year after year through his presentations and willingness to talk over problems. The footsteps Steve left behind are nearly impossible to fill%u2026Thoughts from Howard Brunner, PLS:Steve was an example of what it takes to be an exemplary human, surveyor and friend. He always took the time to help with situations that required his unique knowledge of surveying and never said no when asked for help. I will always keep his memory in my mind until I leave this earth.The following was written by Trent J. Keenan, PLS and read to all in attendance during Steve%u2019s Celebration of Life ceremony:Today, as we gather to celebrate and honor the life and legacy of Mr. John %u201cSteve%u201d Parrish, we reflect on the monumental impact he has had on all of us in the land surveying profession as an industry veteran, noted public speaker, adjunct professor, and our dear friend. When you think of the word %u201cprofessional,%u201d it is impossible not to think of Steve. He dedicated his entire career to uplifting and advancing the profession of land surveying. That was an endeavor at which he excelled and surpassed all expectations.I first met Steve over 20 years ago when he arrived in Las Vegas for an educational seminar he was scheduled to present the following day. I picked him up from the airport, and as soon as he hopped into the truck, he asked, %u201cDo you have time to take me to a section corner behind Mt. Charleston (outside Las Vegas)? I%u2019m working on a survey, and I%u2019d like to check out some of the occupation lines around the corner.%u201d Steve never passed up a chance to locate or inspect a corner on the ground!Steve%u2019s professional journey began in the wilds and spanned more than seven decades, beginning with the U.S. Forest Service in 1963 where he held a variety of positions across five western national forests . With a compass in one hand and a plumb bob in the other, he charted territories unknown, and by 1973, had earned his first Professional Land Surveyor license in the State of Utah. Steve%u2019s dedication saw him rise through the ranks, culminating in his role with the Forest Service until 1984.The call of greater duty led Steve to the Bureau of Land Management in 1985, where his skills and steadfast commitment earned him the prestigious position of Nevada Cadastral Chief by 1989. In this capacity, Steve didn%u2019t just manage land%u2014he shaped the future of land surveying practices.But Steve%u2019s restless wave of progress never stopped. In 1995, he ventured into the private sector, applying his governmental expertise to a broader canvas, becoming licensed in 10 states and a Nevada water rights surveyor. His pursuit of knowledge was relentless, achieving a CFedS certificate in 2007 and graduating from Great Basin College in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Land Surveying at the young age of 63.His academic and professional expertise was matched only by his passion for teaching and mentoring. Steve presented well over 400+ workshops in 27 states and Canada, profoundly impacting those lucky enough to attend. Steve was also an instructor for Great Basin College for the BLM/Forest Service Advanced Cadastral Survey Courses for 12 years. Steve was not just teaching; he was shaping the minds that would continue to define the essence of the land surveying profession for the next generation.Although Steve never wrote a book himself, he significantly contributed to numerous publications within our profession. Through his countless hours leading seminars, I can%u2019t think of another surveyor who has given more to our profession! From the extensive hours spent preparing for field surveys to protect boundary lines to the time he dedicated to mentoring the next generation of surveyors and the meticulous effort he put into each presentation. Steve helped shape the careers of thousands of lives throughout his career.Steve%u2019s role as the Certified Federal Surveyor (CFedS) Panel Chairperson and Training Coordinator, alongside his duties as the County Surveyor for Alpine and Mono Counties, CA, for over 13 years, was a testament to his unyielding dedication. His work was his life, and his life was a service to our profession.As the editor of the Nevada Association of Land Surveyors%u2019 quarterly newsletter, The Nevada Traverse, I had the privilege of composing an article about Steve for the Living Legends Edition. This special issue was created to allow our peers in the surveying profession to express their gratitude through thank-you notes and to share photos commemorating Steve%u2019s illustrious career. A few highlights from some of our colleagues were: Aaron Smith, a close friend and colleague, said, %u201cSteve, thank you for the relentless effort you have endured to make our profession a better place.%u201d His words echo in the halls of our memories as we remember Steve%u2019s tireless dedication. His burning desire to help where help was needed shaped not just landscapes but our lives.Carl CdeBaca knew Steve as a man of measure, not just of land, but of integrity and spirit. %u201cWhen you shake his hand, you get an accurate measure of the man,%u201d Carl said. Steve%u2019s character was his true north, his moral compass unwavering and precise.The essence of Steve%u2019s character was captured perfectly by Don Wilson, who shared countless professional platforms and personal moments with Steve. Their friendship spanned over five decades, enriched by their shared love for fishing and profound respect for each other%u2019s professional insights. Don%u2019s stories of their time together, from field surveys to fishing trips, remind us of Steve%u2019s capacity for friendship and joy.Don said Steve was a mentor to many, not just through formal education but in every interaction he had. Whether it was a complex survey problem or a simple question from a novice, he was there with patience and a readiness to teach. He believed in giving back to the profession that had given him so much, nurturing the next generation of surveyors with both wisdom and kindness.Today, as we remember Steve, let us not dwell on the void his passing leaves behind. Instead, let%u2019s celebrate the vast legacy he leaves us. A legacy of integrity, dedication, and an unyielding commitment to the truth. Steve taught us that our work is not Steve Parrish... continued from previous page