Jeffrey Michael Parker

Date of Birth

August 24, 1979

Date of Death

January 2, 2015

Parker, Jeffrey Michael (Age 35) Jeff Parker, our cherished son and brother left us on January 2 as a result of congenital heart complications. Jeff was born on August 24, 1979 in Grand Island, Nebraska. On the day he was born a brilliant rainbow filled the sky, a symbol of hope and promise. And that is how Jeff lived every day of his life. Thanks to the exceptional cardiology care Jeff received in the early months of his life in Nebraska and from Dr. Hrair Garabedian when our family moved to Spokane in 1985, Jeff lived an active and full life. Jeff had an intense love for life, and he lived his with determination and persistence. He was warmhearted and had genuine concern for others. Above all, Jeff had a wonderful sense of fun, and his life was filled with humor and plenty of laughter. His unforgettable blue eyes, beautiful smile and charming personality endeared everyone. Jeff treasured his family and many good friends. He enjoyed snowboarding, riding his dirt bike in the Texas foothills, boating, being physically fit, playing the drums, and hanging out with his beloved dog, Hank. He loved music and watching movies, especially his favorite childhood movies. Jeff liked being active and on the go, but he equally valued having long, quiet conversations with the people who were most important to him. Jeff’s unrelenting, life-loving spirit gave him a strong desire for freedom and independence. He wanted to be all he could be for himself and others. Jeff was blessed to have great friends. However, he considered his two brothers, Jason and Joe, who shared the joys of growing up and who supported him through challenging health issues, his most devoted and trusted friends. Jason, Joe and Joe’s wife Molly’s dedication, skilled care and unquestionable love were a priceless gift that made the difference in Jeff’s quality of life during the last two months. Our family would like to express gratitude and appreciation to everyone at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center in Houston, Texas who came to know and care about Jeff. Special thanks to Dr. Hari Mallidi, Dr. Leo Simpson and the Heart Transplant Team and to the amazing, dedicated nursing staff that comforted Jeff every day. We are also grateful for the prayers, love and support received from family and friends. Jeff attended Hutton, Sacajawea, and Lewis and Clark. After high school he spent several years in Santa Barbara, California. He returned to Spokane for a short time and then moved to Austin, Texas where he built a successful pool service business and lived for the past seven years. He is survived by his loving parents Dennis Parker and Sue Rasmussen (Richard); his brother Jason (Stacy); his nieces Marley Ann and Ila Jane; his brother Joe (Molly); his nephew Sullivan; his loyal dog Hank and his loved aunts, uncles and cousins who cared deeply for him. A celebration of Jeff’s life will be held at a later time for family and friends. Throughout his adult life Jeff received support from the Adult Congenital Heart Association. He wanted to increase awareness of the need for continued research and innovation required to meet the complex challenges of managing adult congenital heart disease. Memorials may be sent in memory of Jeff Parker to the Adult Congenital Heart Association (ACHA), 3300 Henry Ave. Suite 112, Philadelphia, PA 19129 or made online at https://www.achaheart.org/get-involved/donate/tribute-donation-form.aspx Thank you, Jeff, for your strength and resilience; for not letting obstacles stand in the way of leading a full, meaningful life; for never hesitating to express gratitude to those you loved and cared about and for taking time to show others love and compassion. You will always be our inspiration. And although we are painfully sad, we will hold close your sacred memory in our hearts. You made a difference in so many lives. Time for us to part now, We won’t say goodbye Look for me in rainbows Shining in the sky.

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