Dr. Parry Wellington

Dr. Parry Wellington Harrison peacefully passed away at his home on April 25, 2010. Born to Parry S. and Lucille Dunn Harrison on Sept. 10, 1917, he was a life long resident of Pocatello. Parry attended Lincoln grade school, Irving Jr. High and Pocatello High School where he graduated in 1935. In his youth he spent many hours at the YMCA in the swimming pool, gym and handball courts. He loved hunting with his dad, brother Lew, and his childhood friends. His entire family, including his mother and sisters Merline and Nancy enjoyed watching professional baseball at Halliwell Park where Parry was an official scorekeeper. He was very active in the Scouting program, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout and serving on the staff of the Tendoy Boy Scout Camp. Prior to World War II, Parry served an LDS mission in Germany. At the outbreak of hostilities in Europe, he was evacuated to complete his mission in West Virginia. Parry then returned to Pocatello and graduated in Pharmacy at the University of Idaho, Southern Branch, now known as Idaho State University. Parry served in the U. S. Army with the O.S.S. as an intelligence gathering agent during World War II. The last year of his tour was spent in China where he was assigned to work with Chinese Intelligence until the war ended. After his discharge from the army, Parry enrolled in the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago. He received his Doctor of Optometry, cum laude in 1948. He returned to Pocatello and practiced Optometry for 40 years, retiring in 1988. Parry married Lenore (Lee) Williams of Pocatello. They were classmates at Poky High, fellow college students at ISU, and married in 1944 at Chicago, Illinois. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 2004. Lee passed away later that year. Parry was very active in community service and in his profession. He was named Idaho Optometrist of the Year in 1971, served on the State Board of Examiners in Optometry, and was elected President of the Idaho Optometric Association. He held many positions in the Lions Club, including President of the Pocatello Club and Representative for the State of Idaho at National meetings. He served two terms as President and was on the Board of Directors of the Juniper Hills Country Club. He won the Club Championship in 1966. In the past thirty years, Parry