Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1943
DIED
2017
FUNERAL HOME
Michael Parham Obituary
(1943 - 2017) Michael ("Mike") Parham passed away after a lengthy battle with a rare and merciless cancer on November 9, 2017. He was 74. Mike is survived by his wife, Evelyn; his son, Matthew (Amanda); his daughter, Melissa (Travis); and six grandchildren. Mike's parents, Lois and Bill, preceded him in death. Mike attended Tulane undergraduate and law schools and was an attorney for 48 years. Mike and his wife Evelyn met in the 1970s while working for the United States Post Office Department. After moving to Arizona in 1976, they owned and operated a 7-11 Store in Central Phoenix while Mike studied for the Arizona bar exam. Once licensed to practice law in Arizona, Mike dedicated his career to representing the manufactured housing industry. He was the foremost manufactured housing attorney in the state. From 1986 until he became ill in 2016, Mike represented Manufactured Housing Communities of Arizona (Arizona's major organization of manufactured housing community owners). During that time he authored (and regularly updated, eventually working with his daughter) 9 books for MHCA, giving an overview of manufactured housing and RV law, fair housing law, self-storage facility law, and providing sample forms. He also drafted legislation, assisted MHCA with its lobbying efforts, participated in the drafting of various court rules affecting his practice, and taught numerous classes. Though he probably would have denied it, Mike loved his work and enjoyed helping clients tackle all sorts of strange legal problems. His clients will no doubt remember him for his sense of humor, no-nonsense demeanor, and the distinctive hats he wore to court. Mike was proud of his two children, who both (for better or worse) also became attorneys. Mike's daughter, Melissa, worked with him in his last years. Mike will be missed. He rarely disclosed or discussed his illness because he did not want anyone fussing over him. He fought his battle very privately. Per Mike's request, no services will be held. Donations, however, may be made to Hospice of the Valley in Mike's name (https://www.hov.org/donate/).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Parham
Sponsored by National Cremation Society Phoenix.
Diana Zilius
December 5, 2017
Our condolences to family and friends. We are so very sorry for your loss.Ron and Diana Lohman
Stormi Kime Vasquez
November 28, 2017
My relationship with Mike was one in the professional environment. He was always extremely kind, knowledgeable and very liberal was sharing his knowledge with me. He saved my bacon more than once! Hearing of his passing is very sad but uplifting in his up restoration. Bless all who knew and loved him.
November 27, 2017
We at AAMHO send our condolences to the family and to MHCA where he will certainly be missed.
Eileen Green
AAMHO President
Debbie Willis
November 27, 2017
Mike was truly a unique individual whom I always enjoyed. He was fierce, intelligent and had high morals. I loved his no nonsense way of doing business and always enjoyed cutting him loose on our opponents. He definitely saved our behinds on a few fair housing cases. He will be missed.
Rich Hamilton
November 22, 2017
In addition to being one of the most intelligent men I ever met, Mike was also one of the nicest. A true gentleman, he will be missed for his legal knowledge and for his sense of humanity.
Our Deepest Sympathy Melissa, Family & Friends
Ray & Dee Grounds ( Desert Holiday RV Resort, Yuma, AZ)
November 22, 2017
Marie Helm
November 21, 2017
My deepest condolences to the family and those who were close to Mike. I'm very sorry for your loss.
I appreciated Mike a lot.- When I first started out, I was trying to make everyone happy and wearing myself out in the process. One of the remarks that he made to me that I will never, ever forget (and felt like tattooing it on my forehead) was, "You're a community manager, not a social worker". Those words will never leave me.
B H
November 21, 2017
We are so sorry for your loss. Your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
S W
November 21, 2017
My condolences to the family. May the expressions and prayers of friends, family and neighbors comfort you. May God also support you during your time of grief.
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
Make a Donation
in Michael Parham's name
Memorial Events
for Michael Parham
Funeral services provided by:
National Cremation Society Phoenix4460 East Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85018
How to support Michael's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Michael Parham's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
