One of the greatest bid callers of all time, Joseph L. Parypa passed away with his family at his side, Feb. 21, 2019, in Tacoma, Wash. He was born May 15, 1955, to Lawrence and Delores (Dodds) Parypa in Raymond, Wash.
Delores moved the family to Centralia, Wash., after the passing of Lawrence in 1963. Shortly thereafter, she married John “Denny” Malnerich and they combined their families and raised them together on the family farm in the Lincoln Creek area. Joe was blessed as a youth with being raised on a farm and was taught many skills, most importantly, hard work from Denny.
Joe graduated from Centralia High School in 1973, and attended Centralia College. In 1974, he met the love of this life, Ellen May. They were married in June of 1977. Anybody who knew Joe heard the phrase many times, “Ellen is the sweetest, most lovely person in the world, not an ounce of malice in her body”. They were married for 41 years and truly were each other’s best friends and greatest support. Together, they raised two children, Katie and Aaron.
Joe loved watching his kids play sports. He was Katie’s biggest and often loudest fan in the gym. Joe would share many fond memories about helping coach Aaron's youth baseball teams. Family was very important to Joe, he loved spending time with his siblings and their families, clam digging, scuba diving, hunting and fishing. He grew up working for his stepdad, Denny at Midway Meats in Centralia and then drove route truck for Western Farmers delivering dairy supplies. While he worked hard at these jobs, he pursued his true passion, auctioneering.
Joe started auctioneering at the age of 17. He attended Auction School in Billings, Mont., in 1974. He worked as a young man at Twin City Sale in Centralia, Portland Livestock Yards, Chehalis Livestock Market and Cattleman’s Livestock in Yelm. Joe also worked for 25 years at Manhiem Auto Auction in Seattle and for James G. Murphy in Kenmore. He also owned and operated Parypa Auction Company for many years.
He was very well known for his sense of humor and age old jokes he told at many benefit auctions in Washington State and beyond. One of his favorite volunteer efforts was to help sell the 4-H and Future Farmers of America livestock market sales for youth at just about every fair that would ask him. Many fundraising efforts were very successful in Lewis County when they were lucky enough to have Joe share his time and talents with them.
In 1985, he formed a partnership with Dave Balmelli and purchased Chehalis Livestock Market. Joe and Ellen were thankful that this partnership was more of a friendship than a business endeavor. Over the last 35 years, they worked together and successfully auctioned livestock and equipment, and conducted many farm and estate auctions around the state. Joe was a stickler for an auction starting on time, customers knew his opening remarks started 10 minutes before start time, no matter what!
Until his untimely death, you could see Joe every Friday doing his most favorite thing, selling cattle to customers who over the years had become great friends. He was as honest as the day was long, Joe's customers knew that and there was always a mutual respect for each other. He was recognized as a finalist in many auction contests but was most proud of the title he earned in the 1987 World Reserve Livestock Auction Champion.
Joe’s life became complete when his only grandchild, Sophie was born in 2008. He looked forward to every minute he spent with her. Joe loved watching her sweet personality bloom. He was not only a great auctioneer but also a patient and talented teacher, helping many auctioneers hone their skills. Joe's most favorite student was his son, Aaron. He was very proud Aaron chose to be an auctioneer and continue his legacy. There will never be another Joe Parypa, he was one of a kind! All who knew him became a better person for it.
Joe is survived by his devoted wife, Ellen; loving daughter, Katie Neva (Nick Graham) of Olympia; gentle and kind son, Aaron (Chantell) of Centralia; precious granddaughter, Sophia Neva of Olympia; brothers, John (Debby) Malernich of Sister, Ore., and Bob (Jan) Parypa of Centralia; sisters, Krista Parypa of Winlock and Trudy Carlson of Battle Ground; sisters-in-law, Pat Henning, Michele Stoner and Kathy (Larry) Chastain; aunts, Dixie (Bill) Rogerson, Stella Helgen and Dorthy Boyd of Chehalis; longtime business partners, Dave and Brenda Balmelli and their children, Jared and Lauren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, countless friends and dedicated employees.
He was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence Parypa; and parents, John and Delores Malnerich.
A celebration of Joe’s life is scheduled for 1 p.m., Sunday, March 17, 2019, at the Great Wolf Lodge. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Popes Kids Place, popeskidsplace.org, or by mail, 230 Washington Way, Centralia, WA 98531, or to a charity of your choice.
