Clarence Boyd “CB” Parr, age 85, of Riley, passed away at the Harney District Hospital in Burns, on Oct. 3, 2022. 

CB was born on Dec. 23, 1936 in the Okanagan country of Washington, to Harry and Mary (Hodges) Parr, born in a cabin on the family homestead, delivered by his Dad.

CB was raised on the family homestead, and at the age of 16 years old, went to work for the KnobHill Cattlemen’s Association as a Line Camp man. He cowboyed for the association for two years, and at the age of 18 went into the military. He traveled extensively and was involved with the construction of remote military airstrips. 

When his service was complete, he spent his working years working in the woods, doing field mechanic work and driving log trucks in Alaska, New Mexico, the Oregon coast and many other places. During his time in New Mexico, his Dad, was killed when a Caterpillar rolled over on him. CB was a very handy guy and was a valuable part of any crew.

CB married Judith Shafer and lived on the Oregon coast until moving to Canyon Creek, outside of John Day, in 1996. CB and Judy were great neighbors to all the folks who lived up the creek, providing eggs and plowing out lanes for all. They lost their home to a fire in 2009 but CB rolled up his sleeves and cleaned up the site and provided another home for Judy showing his hard work ethic and grit. CB lost Judy to cancer in 2012. He continued to live on Canyon Creek until he moved down to Riley, in 2015.

CB worked as a camp man for Pete and Wendi Rawlins on many remote cow camps in Harney and Grant Counties and was a very trusted friend and savvy “camp man”, handling all responsibilities and inconveniences without complaint. CB was truly a man “to ride the river with”.

The Historic Remnant Church of John Day was his home church and he loved and appreciated his church family including the Martin family, who were very caring friends.

CB was preceded in death by his wife Judy. He is survived by his daughter, Catherine Davis; stepsons, Richard Shafer, Timothy Shafer; stepdaughter, Debra Piburn; good friends Pete and Wendi Rawlins and family of Riley; the Martin Family of John Day; and many other friends and extended family.

A celebration honoring the life of CB will be held at a later point in time. CB has been laid to rest next to his wife Judy at the Rest Lawn Cemetery in John Day.

LaFollette’s Chapel in Burns has been extraordinary in its handling of the arrangements for CB and the family.