Fathers are an integral piece of a strong family foundation. They make us feel safe and protected and play the role of eternal educator. The dynamic between fathers and daughters is especially sweet, as is illustrated in this month’s Father’s Day edition of People of Parkview, featuring Howard Cottier and Sarah Parrish. This daddy daughter duo has been sharing their talents with the Parkview family for well over a decade, and gathering to enjoy Howard’s fine cooking for longer than that.

There’s something powerful about a connection this strong and the lessons gleaned from hours of conversation and collaboration. In celebration of fathers everywhere, including all of those serving within our healthcare system, enjoy this Q&A with this pair of skilled, devoted People of Parkview.

Names and Titles:

Howard Cottier, Construction Coordinator
Sarah Parrish, HR Consultant

Describe your education and career journey:

Howard: I have several college courses and a NAPE certification. Prior to working at Parkview, I worked at Harlan Cabinets, farmed, was a truck driver and worked in construction. I started at Parkview in 1980, left for about six months and then came back and have been here ever since.  I have held several positions at Parkview, including Plant Operator, Facilities Lead, Facilities Supervisor, Facilities Manager and Construction Coordinator. I have helped with many building and construction projects, including the south addition at Randallia, the Parkview Heart Institute, Carew Medical Park, Parkview Regional Medical Center, Parkview Ortho Hospital, The Parkview Family Birthing Center, OSC and some Parkview Physicians Group offices in Indiana and Ohio.

Sarah: I have a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership and Supervision (OLS) with a concentration in Human Resources. I started my career with Parkview as a business associate in the catering department in March 1995. In May 1997, I was hired to work for Parkview in patient food service at Parkview Hospital Randallia. I thought I wanted to be a RN but realized very quickly that it was not a good fit, so I switched my major to OLS.  After working on my degree for a couple of years, a position opened in the HR department as an employment support assistant and I did that from August 2000-July 2001. I was eventually promoted to a compensation assistant and then, in August 2002, promoted again to an HR Consultant and have worked at Parkview Regional Medical Center and Parkview Behavioral health.

What is a typical day like for you?

Howard: I am semi-retired, so I work 1-2 days a week. I’m always working on my computer and talking to co-workers and contractors daily about different projects.

Sarah: It varies each day. I help co-workers with questions they have, hire new co-workers, work closely with leaders, employee relations and I attend various meetings.

 

Do you have interactions with each other at work?

Sarah: Not very much anymore since my Dad is semi-retired and works mostly in Ohio. I loved seeing him at work and we would often go see each other just to say “Hi”.  Toward the end of my pregnancy with my daughter Adelyn, he would wait around for me and pick me up at the front door and drive me to my car to make sure I got out alright.   

 

What are some lessons your father taught you that impact your approach to work? 

Howard: Honesty, integrity, hard work and respect for everyone.

Sarah: Be patient with others and listen to what they have to say, as there are always two sides to every story. If you don’t know the answer, figure out how you can help them get the answer they need.

What is one of your fondest memories of Sarah as a child?

Howard: She always wanted to be with me no matter what we were doing.  I also loved watching her when she got to play basketball at the Coliseum.

What is one of your fondest memories of your dad as a child?

Sarah: I was definitely a daddy’s girl and I loved following him around. He would teach me to be independent and learn about tools, gardening and cooking. 

What was your proudest moment as a father?

Howard: When she graduated from college, when she got married and when she had my granddaughter, Adelyn.

 

As a mother now yourself, what mannerisms or parenting techniques have you carried over from your father? 

Sarah: Don’t sweat the small stuff. Everyone makes mistakes, so don’t be too hard on your children when they make mistakes.

 

What do you like to do when you get to spend time together outside of work?

Howard: Talk, have cookouts, help and advise her on repairs and canning and freezing vegetables.

Sarah: He cooks a lot for us, so we enjoy getting together. He is also an awesome grandpa and loves spending time with my three children.

What was Sarah like as a child?

Howard: Loveable, helpful, smart and a leader.

 

What kind of father was Howard? 

Sarah: Hardworking, loving, generous and kind-hearted. He bleeds green as we like to joke, because he has been at Parkview for so long and he just loves working here and giving back in any way he can. He would give anyone the shirt off of his back if they needed it.

 

If you could tell people to read one book in their lifetime, which would it be?

Howard: “Being Mortal” by Atul Gawande.

Sarah: There are so many. I am a sucker for love stories or anything inspirational, so I would say a book along those lines.

 

What would we find on your bucket list and what do you plan to check off next?

Howard: To finish the pond I started making 8 years ago.

Sarah: I would love to go to Hawaii or Paris one day and hope to check that off my list in the near future.

How will you spend your Father’s Day?

Howard: Having all of the kids and grandkids over for a cookout and honoring by son-in-laws.

Sarah: Celebrating my Dad with a cookout at his house and eating lots of good food!