Michael Parr, MD

Michael Parr was our dear, dear friend. Besides being a skilled physician, he was a wise and compassionate man. Michael didn’t just talk the talk in the recovery world, he truly walked the walk. Compassion means to “suffer with,” and Michael embodied that virtue. He did not stand above us and talk down; he accompanied us on our journey. He chose his words carefully, so everyone leaned in when Michael had something to say. He had an uncanny knack for getting to the root of any discussion, always leading with his heart. 

Michael was thoughtful and hilarious, by turns. You’d never knew if he was going to  going to make you think or make you laugh. Often it was both. We were always delighted to spend time together, even though we lived on different sides of the country.

As a colleague in our clinical practice at Love First, Michael was invaluable. He had a special talent for working with addicted physicians, and helped many docs and other medical professionals to return to their professional practice. His previous work as a gynecologist gave him special insights with women. He radiated so much kindness that people trusted him immediately. His calm acceptance of the human condition, with all its folly and tragedy, made it easier for people to open up with him. Everyone knew Michael would never judge them. His super-powers were gentleness and dry humor.

On the medical front, Michael endured years of pain and setbacks. How he survived all the surgeries and complications and constantly multiplying problems was astonishing. Somehow he kept going, on and on, no matter how hard it was. Michael was the very picture of determination, but even his great will and faith were not enough, in the end. There is comfort in knowing he’s now laughing with the angels.

We can’t begin to imagine how many people Michael helped during his nearly four decades of recovery and faithful service to those in need. Nearly every day, he seemed to revive another life, bringing the light into darkness. He had a gift for healing, and he shared it liberally. 

The whole team at Love First sends their condolences and love. We will miss our dear friend Michael. He was always much more than a colleague, much more than a medical doctor. Michael Parr was a great soul, and his goodness will live on forever. 

Jeff and Debra Jay