I was recently posting on my school’s forum (I’m pursuing an MA in Education now), reflecting on a teaching experience that really stuck with me. Naturally, I thought of Mr. Parina — my IB Math Studies teacher in Dubai who turned math from something I dreaded into something I actually enjoyed. He had this gift for breaking things down and making learning fun, even creating YouTube videos so we could revisit lessons anytime. Curious to see what he was up to now, I looked him up, and that’s when I found out he had passed away.

I just wanted to say: Thank you, Mr. Parina. You took a subject I never thought I’d like and made it one of the highlights of my day. You’ll always be remembered for the kindness and dedication you brought into our classroom. Rest in peace.

I was a student in 8th Grade in his Algebra class. He was an amazing teacher and made me enjoy learning math. Even if I don't retain a lot of the knowledge I learned I still am going to miss this incredible and hilarious legend. I didn't know that he died until today and I am incredibly heartbroken by this. Rest in Peace, Mr. Parina, the funniest math teacher I've ever had.

I worked with Richard at Gibson middle school. He was the most kind and helpful person. He was be deeply missed. He always had a smile on his face and he made everyone around him happy to be around him. 

I was a student of his this last school year and he was an amazing teacher. He always knew how to connect with his students and had an attitude that made his classes engaging and fun. He was hilarious and down-to-Earth, and every day I had his class I knew I would be leaving that period feeling more energized and motivated for the day. I never knew him too personally of course but I can confidently imagine that he was as great outside of the classroom as he was inside. Rest your kind soul Mr. Parina, thank you so much for the happy memories and being one of my favorite math teachers of all time. I wish your family all the best, I can only imagine how hard it must be. Take care.

I first met Rich in the first grade. We went to high school together.  I loved the friends gathering when we were all back in town. I was so very saddened to hear this unfortunate news. I will miss the phone calls, the hours of witty banter, and your smile when I would say "Richie!". He would call me Veeves and make me laugh so hard.  He saw life through the lens of acceptance, appreciation, and loyalty. He taught me that life is so much easier when you are laughing at it. I am so grateful that you were in my life. Rest in peace Richie.  

Mr. Parina was my Algebra teacher in 8th grade in 2018 at Cram Middle School. Mr. Parina always was energetic and could put a smile on anyone’s face. He made it fun to learn math and always made a connection with his students. Shortly after the pandemic, I saw Mr. Parina again at a golf course and he went there regularly. He was always cheerful and happy. I never thought he would ever try to learn how to golf but after a while, he got really good at it. When he saw me at the golf course, he always said hi and always asked how I was. Mr. Parina impacted my life and other lives in a big way. The world needs more teachers and people like Mr. Parina. He will be missed by his students, colleagues, and family. 

Mr. Parina was my 8th grade algebra teacher and he’s had such a big impact on me in such a short time I will never forget him.The sweetest soul to walk this earth, not only was he fun and easy going, but he was understanding and sympathetic. I’m now a senior in high school and still think about him when I found out he passed it broke my heart rest easy 🕊🕊

Mr Parina taught me Algebra in 8th grade 2020, I will never forget the positive impacts he made on me. Forever will stay in my memories of all the fun times where he gave away Parina packs and played fun math games. He made math fun, and created excitement in the classroom. Thank you Mr. Parina. You are loved, missed and won’t be forgotten.

Can’t even process this, hands down the sweetest soul I’ve ever crossed paths with. He always found a way to educate us not only in math but in real life. So glad I was able to make him smile on his birthday one last time just like he made me smile a week before my birthday. We never got that tetherball match but hey it’s alright.. rest easy Mr.Parina 

I met you during ACT boot camp. you had always made it so much fun to learn about math. You had always helped me out when it came to getting community service hours. I would always say Hi to you on every A day when I’d pass by your class room heading to my Algebra II class. Thank you for always helping us out. Was hoping to see you this upcoming school year. may you rest easy <3

This breaks my heart. Time was so short with you as a mentor. I looked forward to being in your math class this year. Thank you for all the laughs, the jokes, the cookies and chips, all the fun in your ACT class. Thank you for taking the time to help me and others in our high school journey. It will not be the same without you. Rest In Peace 🕊 
Your Student 
Rachel Arias-Lopez 

OBITUARY

Richard Augustus Parina II

February 25, 1974 – July 23, 2022

Palm Northwest Mortuary & Cemetery

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