Michael Parr

March 29, 1941 - March 25, 2024

Sacramento, California - Michael Sherwin Parr was born March 29th, 1941 in Detroit, Michigan. He grew up surrounded by a lot of family, as well as close friends who remain so to this day. He was quite an accomplished athlete, playing various sports and even set a citywide record for sit ups with 600. As a teenager, Michael went to work in his father's dry-cleaning business, Parr French Cleaners. In 1958, Michael graduated from Mumford High School, later made famous by Eddie Murphy in Beverly Hills Cop.

Michael then attended University of Michigan, along with some of the same close friends from childhood, all of them becoming doctors. Michael fast-tracked to a medical degree in seven years, later completing his residency as an OB/GYN in Detroit.

Michael, along with his first wife Jacqueline and their two sons Howard and Stuart at the time moved out to Sacramento to serve at Mather Air Force Base. Just before an intended move back to Detroit, Michael was offered a job at the UC Davis Medical Center, and he has remained in Sacramento ever since. A few short years after moving to Sacramento, Michael and Jackie had a daughter Wendy as well and lived in a beautiful home overlooking the American River.

Michael moved into a private medical practice at American River Hospital, and later married Elizabeth "Libby", whom he had met in kindergarten. Along with her son Jamie and daughter Robin, the family grew in size and closeness.

Michael then took the bravest step of his life in getting treatment for addiction. Over 40 years sober, he always said it was his proudest achievement. He became board-certified in addiction and helped thousands of people overcome their own addiction. It is not uncommon to meet someone at an event, or on an airplane, who was either delivered as a baby by Michael or counseled to sobriety by him. He lived a life of tremendous impact, winning many awards along the way, including Sacramento Person of the Year. Michael also worked with the NBA for over 25 years.

For the past nine years, Michael has been with his partner Beth Harney. She and her son Austin and daughter Sarah have been a bedrock of care for Michael when he faced health challenges of his own. Throughout it all, Michael continued to provide counseling to addicts throughout the world, always saying, "it is my purpose in life".

Michael is predeceased by his parents David and Bertha, and his sister Maxine. He is survived by his partner Beth (children Sarah and Austin), his children Jamie (wife Lisa), Howard (wife Gina), Robin (husband David), Stuart (partner Özlem) and Wendy (wife Caroleen), as well as his grandchildren Riley, Nicole, Dylan, Carter, Claire, Harper, Teo and Kennedy. And many, many friends and family throughout the country.

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Published by The Sacramento Bee on Mar. 31, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Parr

6 Entries

Kevin J. O'Neill

August 22, 2025

My wife and I now live in Texas, and we just discovered Michael's passing today. My wife Kerrie and I are mourning his passing; however, we must celebrate his wonderful life and recognize the joy and compassion he brought gave to those he toughed.
Michael and Libby became friends, and they attended our wedding. We enjoyed many times together in Sacramento area over the years. Kerrie and I are much indebted to Dr. Parr for his medical expertise during an ectopic pregnancy in 1996. Michael delivered our healthy daughter in February of 1996.
Yes, we are sad to learn of his passing, but he will always be in our thoughts and prayers. God Rest His Soul.
Kevin & Kerrie O'Neill

Loraine Towne

February 26, 2025

I just read about Dr Parr´s death. I knew Dr Parr from American River Hospital where I worked as a young nurse. He was always kind and very approachable. He was not my OB GYN but he was on call when he delivered my daughter Amanda. He always told me "I knew I was going to deliver your baby," and he was right.

Robin Murphy (Moskat)

December 5, 2024

I am so sad to hear of Dr.Parr´s death. I worked with him for many years. First as a new nurse at America River Hosp and then at Sutter Memorial. I have wonderful memories of delivering babies with him. Such a dear man who helped so many people in his lifetime. He will always be remembered. Sincerely, Robin Murphy (Moskat)

Therese Guinn

June 23, 2024

Dr. Parr delivered our first son and took great care of me in my pregnancy with our second son, but was not on call when our second son decided it was time. Dr. Parr was my OB/GYN until his retirement. He was kind and caring, a sensitive listener. I was so lucky he was my doctor. He was exceptional. God bless him.

Patricia Charles-Heathers

April 1, 2024

So glad I was able to spend time with Michael at his home when I was in Sacramento in November 2023.

I worked with Michael at Sutter Center for Psychiatry from 1990-1996. He did my 3 surgeries: fibroids, c-section and hysterectomy. We wrote the Mercy Peri-Natal Program together in 1996; sitting on a barstool in his kitchen.

He was like a father and best friend. I love you Michael and will miss you tremendously!!

Andrea

March 31, 2024

Last time I saw Dr Parr, he said he felt we grew up together - he in his profession; me at a young age. He served as my ob/gyn and delivered my daughter at American River Hospital when I was just 17. It's been decades since I've seen him last. I remember Dr. Parr as treating me with respect at a time when I was frightened and insecure. I felt important when he mentioned he felt we grew up together. Thank you, Dr. Parr.
Condolences to his loved ones.

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