Bryan Parris

Bryan James Parris, of Grand Rapids, MI, left this world on January 28, 2026, as a result of lung cancer complications, ending his three-year battle. Though illness marked the end of his earthly life, it never defined him. We want to remember him for the way he lived–with joy, curiosity, faith, and deep care for the people around him.

Born June 25, 1973, in Cape Town, South Africa, where his parents taught at the first inter-racial Bible college in the country, Bryan was the youngest of three boys and spent much of his childhood keeping up with his two older brothers. Those early years were filled with adventures, hiking, exploring, recreating all things Star Wars, and discovering the world together. Raised in a global community, Bryan developed a deep love for people and an extraordinary ability to form genuine connections. Wherever he went, friendships followed. Bryan and his brothers have lived great distances from each other, yet they all invested in maintaining their close bond.

In 1987, Bryan’s family moved to the United States, settling in Owasso, Oklahoma, where he spent his high school years. During this time, he became involved in theater, an experience that sparked a lifelong appreciation for performance, storytelling, and creativity. These years also strengthened the bonds within his family and helped shape Bryan’s thoughtful and reflective nature.

From 1992 to 1996, Bryan attended Taylor University, earning a degree in Mass Communication. He often shared fond memories of life in Wengatz Hall, sharing late-night adventures, building theater sets, learning to play the piano, and building friendships that became formative. It was during these years that Bryan’s faith deepened, becoming a steady and grounding presence throughout his life.

Following graduation, Bryan moved to Grand Rapids, MI for what he initially thought would be a short stay. Instead, it became home. After reconnecting with a childhood friend, he began attending Calvary Baptist Church where his gifts for leadership, wisdom, and encouragement quickly became evident. Bryan served by leading classes and worship. Later, he co-planned activities and services, sang as part of the worship team and choir, and wrote scripts for outreach events, dramatic readings and children’s worship arts camps.

Bryan met his future wife, Katie, through the Calvary community, and discovered not only his life partner, but a lasting sense of belonging. Katie and Bryan were blessed to be part of a group of young, married couples who have remained a tight-knit group of brothers and sisters in Christ–a strong network that has sustained them through many stages of life. More recently, Bryan participated as a member of River City Church, reading scripture and encouraging his City Group weekly. His calm presence, thoughtful insight, and humble confidence made him a trusted voice and mentor in his church communities.

Professionally, Bryan enjoyed a fulfilling 25+ year career in film and videography, a field that beautifully blended his creativity, technical skill, and love of storytelling. His work was deeply meaningful to him, and he took great pride in producing thoughtful, high-quality projects. Bryan was respected for his wisdom, integrity, and steady leadership in the workplace, and he valued his colleagues not just as coworkers, but as friends. The relationships he built through his work were a significant and cherished part of his life.

Bryan’s greatest joy was his family. Together with Katie, he built a life rooted in faith, laughter, and love. Side by side, they poured their creativity and care into restoring their 1918 home with skills learned from his father-in-law, transforming it into a true gathering place. Their home is one that reflects their shared values, welcomes friends and family, and holds countless memories. Bryan was a devoted husband and a loving, engaged father to Drew, Emily, and Zach. He delighted in family traditions such as Saturday morning pancakes, reading book series and making up ongoing sagas, using his acting talents to create fun character voices, singing together at the piano while playing Michael W. Smith or Switchfoot songs, and the everyday moments that made life rich.

Bryan was a deeply present and intentional father who delighted in sharing the world with his children. Well-traveled and endlessly curious, one of his favorite t-shirts read: “I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.” Together with Katie, he made travel a family experience. They were able to share special adventures with their children, including trips to South Africa to visit family with stops in Europe, unforgettable visits to New York City to experience Broadway, sightseeing in Chicago and the sheer fun of the Star Wars theme park in California. Whether across the globe or close to home, Bryan approached family life with wonder, humor, and a deep commitment to creating memories that would last a lifetime.

Bryan’s life was one of wisdom, faithful leadership, creative expression, and deep love. People often remark that he is one of the kindest men they’ve ever met, and just so much fun to be around. His genuine kindness and humor are two characteristics that stand out in the authentic ways Bryan loved people. Though his time with us was far too short, his influence continues through the many lives he touched. His legacy lives on in kindness freely given, faith steadily lived, and the enduring relationships he so carefully nurtured. Bryan’s faith in Jesus Christ as his personal Savior was central to his life and hope, and it is this assurance of salvation through Christ that offers comfort and confidence to those who believe.

Bryan is survived by the love of his life, Katie Parris, and their children Drew, Emily, and Zach of Grand Rapids, MI; his parents Jim and Arline Parris of Cedar Springs, MI; brothers Mark and Cyndi Parris (Austin and Toni, Benjamin, and Anita) of Durbanville, South Africa, and Joel and Estie Parris (Peytra, Emmy, and Asher) of Coeur d’Alene, ID; and Katie’s family: Steve and Patty Marquardt of Cedar Springs, MI; Sheila Marquardt and Joshua Olmsted of Eaton Rapids, MI; Kristi and RJ Renteria (Zander, Jones, and Stella) of Grant, MI; and Brandon and Heather Marquardt (Alayna, Kamden, Leland, Quinton, Jensen, Brynn, and Layla) of Louisburg, NC. He is also survived by many uncles, aunts, cousins, and dear friends from every stage of life, including the Foundations Class of Calvary Baptist Church, his current church at River City Church, his workplace community, his children’s schools, and his neighborhood.

Please join us in celebrating Bryan’s life.

Visitation: Friday, February 6, 2026, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM EST

Saturday, February 7, 2026, 11:00 AM EST

Rush Creek Bible Church: 2334 76th Street SW, Byron Center, MI 49315

A live stream of the service will be available at this link: https://www.youtube.com/@rivcitychurch/streams

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing toward the education expenses for the Parris children. Contributions can be made through Lake Michigan Credit Union. Routing: 272480678 Account: 101021630018 (LMCU Base transfer # 2163001) Account Owner: Katie Parris Memo Line: Parris Kids Education