On Sunday April 19th Michael Parks went to be with his favorite Service Dog “Trixie”.
Michael was born October 30, 1978 to Ray Parks and Emily Mae Rebish.
Michael’s love of music followed him all his life – first the piano under Mary Ann Canty and then the trombone in the Butte High Band. Playing with a famous Brass band was the highlight of his music career.
Montana’s mountains and streams were a huge part of his life. He joined Boy Scouts and fulfilled his Eagle requirements under Dave Barney. He joined Order of the Arrow, formed an Explorer Scout Group, and worked as a counselor at Island Park Scout Camp for several summers.
In High School he joined Civil Air Patrol. His dream was to become an Air Force Pilot was not to happen due to health reasons. His honor to people who served was above approach. He did enjoy flying with his dad at C & M Aviation.
He then completed his CNA training in Butte and moved to Lewistown to work at the Veterans’ Hospital. After work he would sit with the Veterans and write up their stories to give to the family when they came to visit. He then moved closer to home and worked in Livingston and Bozeman. His love of helping patients was his true passion.
As a child he was a patient of the Shrine Children’s Hospital in Spokane. The pride of his grandfather Charles Stack, he became a member of the Mount Moriah Masonic order, the Butte Shrine Center, and Lily of the Valley OES in Bozeman.
He was preceeded in death by his brother Patrick, grandparents Dorothy and Charles Stack, Julie and Louis Rodregues , aunt and uncles, Emily Sherman, Bob Sherman and Phyllis Sherman.
He is survived by his daughter, Heather Marie, his mother, Emily Mae (Don) Rebish, his dad, Ray (Kathy) Parks, of Las Vegas, his brother, Charles Parks of Billings, his sister, Krissie (Trevor) Garels, and cousin, Stephen Sherman.
Mike was laid to rest at Mount Moriah Cemetery in Butte during a private graveside service. Due to COVID19, Mike’s family has chosen to hold a memorial service celebrating his life at a later date when it is safe for friends and family to gather. Mike’s family appreciates your support during this time and thanks you for your understanding.
Please send memorials to the Bagdad Shrine Center Transportation fund in Butte or the Shiners’ Hospital in Spokane.
We invite you to visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Mike. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Mike and his family.
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Davis Martinez, W Grand Chaplain says
To the Family of Bro Michael Parks,
We the Officers and Bros of the Grand Masonic Lodge of Montana join in extending Heartfelt Sympathy to his family at this Time of Sorrow.
Rachel McCracken Brown says
I grew up with michael in the hillcrest area and all throw school. Iam not going to lie, iam going go to miss talking to him weekly and talking shop (healthcare work). last conversation i had with him he was checking to see how I was doing with all this covid stuff at work and told me to be careful, stay safe, and that we had this! When i dress up as Doc Vader on May 4th it will be in honor of my fallen brother and friend. Michael would aprove of me doing this as we both were huge fans of Zdogg and Doc Vader. I any of the family needs anything please reach out to me.
Karen Barnhardt, Worthy Matron says
The officers and members of Lily of the Valley Chapter #4 offer our Star love and sympathies to Michael’s family at this time of sorrow.
Callie Boyle says
To Michael’s family and friends,
My sincere condolences for Michael’s passing. I remember him from Hillcrest Elementary school. He was several years older than me, but I remember that he was always kind. My sympathy and prayers for you all.
Mike Salvagni says
I am sorry to learn about Michael’s passing. I extend my sympathy to his family and friends. Michael was always very friendly with me. Unknown to me before now is the fact that we shared in common the instruction from Mary Ann Canty. I also took piano lessons from her. Michael’s legacy is his kindness and respect for others.
Linda Monaco says
Emily, so sorry for your loss! It’s a difficult time, but know that he is now at peace.
Mary Jo Saboe says
To Mike’s Family: I met Mike several years ago when we both were volunteering at Bozeman Hospital! I am so sorry to read of his passing! I recently saw Mike the last I was at the hospital and learned he had been once more hospitalized! Mike was a guy who wanted to help everyone and had the biggest heart of anybody I know! There is a special place in Heaven for Mike! May he Rest In Peace! God Bless!
Susan Ellis says
I am saddened to read of Mike’s passing. I knew Michael as a fellow volunteer at Bozeman Deaconess Hospital. He was always so kind and we had a special connection with our love for dogs. Michael was always ready to help others. His kind spirit will never be forgotten. May he Rest In Peace. My sympathy is with all his family and friends at this difficult time. PEACE.
Ronald L Gjestson says
I’ve had the privilege of knowing Michael for the past seven years. He was a remarkable person with such great faith and courage. During several hospital visits we shared our lives and our prayers. Now my prayers go out to all of you who will miss him in your lives. My blessings and thoughts are with you all.
Laurie (Dower) Woodard says
Much love to all the family of Michael. I babysat him when he was a little boy and have very fond memories of him and his brother Charlie. I had lost touch with him many years ago, but from reading his story, he grew into a very generous and caring man. He certainly went on in life to many achievements and accomplishments! My sympathy and thoughts in this difficult time.
Barbara O’Brien says
Emily, my prayers are sent for Michael and for you. I know he was a kind and loving son. He tried to be the best he could be.
If you need to talk, I am here.
Barb
Barbara O’Brien says
Emily, my prayers are sent for Michael and for you. I know he was a kind and loving son. He tried to be the best he could be.
If you need to talk, I am here.
Mindy Fisher says
I graduated high school with Micheal. Such a kind soul. Heaven is definitely a brighter place with him in it. My condolences to his family. 💙
Stephanie Shea says
Dear Emily. So very sorry for the loss of your son. I can’t imagine your feelings and emotions at this time Thinking if you and sending my prayers for your support and well being.
MARY ANN (SHUGRUE) CANTY says
My deepest sympathy and daily prayers to Emily Mae, Charlie, Heather, Don & all of Michael’s associates and friends. I started Michael in piano lessons when he was in second grade, and he was a faithful and hard-working student all through grade school, junior high, & much of high school. When my daughter, Maria was giving her senior piano recital in 1990 at Butte High School auditorium, she asked Michael & his brother Charlie to be the ushers. They proudly came in their 3-piece-suits and escorted many of the 200+ people to their seats. We both counted them favorites of my students. They always performed quite well in recitals, & enjoyed sharing their music. Their mother, Emily Mae often played the duet parts or second-piano-parts, with her boys. I am now retired, after 47 years teaching, and keep close to several students who studied throughout the years. Michael was the most faithful and appreciative, & e-mailed music-links to me often during the weeks & months of the past several years. He confided many ups & downs with me about his feelings & sometimes difficulties on his journey. When his daughter Heather graduated from BHS, Michael called long-distance & asked me to be his escort at her graduation dinner, which I was thrilled to attend with him. When he found out about Maria’s diagnosis of MS, he gifted her with his gently used ‘Walker’ which he no longer needed after a broken leg, so it would help Maria get around easier. One of his mentors during his adult years was Judge Mike Salvagni who studied piano with me at the very beginning of my teaching-career. In fact Mike & his brother, Tommy were my very first private students! Any of us who knew Michael Parks were blessed to have had him in our lives, with his optimism, quick smile, and quiet joy. He loved his God, and was not afraid to speak about God’s goodness & mercy toward everyone, especially himself. He will always have a special place in my heart.
Sincerely, Mary Ann (Shugrue) Canty, Butte, MT.
Vickie Bailey says
We at Bozeman Health would like to extend out sympathies to Michael’s family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. We were shocked and saddened by the news of Michael’s passing. For the last nine years he has given his time generously as a Volunteer at Bozeman Health. He was always so kind, friendly, and helpful to everyone. The volunteers he worked with thought the world of him, lots of them saying what a BIG heart he had. We will miss him, and his service to Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital Volunteer Services.
Vickie Bailey Manager of Volunteer Services & Milinda Palmersheim Assistant Manager of Volunteer Services
Bozeman Health Deaconess
Connie Hughes says
Dear Emily, It was with a sad heart to read of Michael’s passing. I especially enjoyed reading of his many accomplishments throughout his life. He touched so many lives and will be remembered with both joy and love. Sending our deepest sympathies, Connie Hughes and Diana Hughes Beyer
Brian Brock says
I was in Butte High Band with Mike and Charlie. So sorry to read about Mike. Looks like he led a good life of service to others. Wish you well, Charlie.
Dale Brock says
I was very devastated when I heard of Michael’s passing. Michael was a very kind and generous person. He was a great person to have a conversation with, because he had many stories to tell of his adventures. His sense of humor was fantastic. Michael spoke highly about Heather, who was his pride and joy. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Dave Barney says
Emily and family I am so saddened to learn of Mike’s passing. As Scoutmaster of Troop 8, he was a joy to have as a member , always there, always willing to participate and a helpers in so many ways, always wanting to do his best and get the most out of everything he set out to do, that’s why he was one of the first of my scouters to achieve Boy Scouts highest rank of eagle. We had so many outings, adventures and great memories – one that stands out was our week long High Adventure hike along the continental divide trail through the Pintlar Wilderness in which he and the scout participants earned scout’s 50 miler hiking badge. Again Emily and family, I am sad for your loss and to all us that had Mike share his life with us.
Kirsten Mull Core says
Dear Family
I am so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. I will always remember Mike as a kind and caring person. Sincerely, Kirsten Mull Core
Lili Salazar says
Emily I am so sorry for your loss. I love Michael with all my heart. He was a gentle soul who was generous and kind. I was so proud of him and his accomplishments. I admired his optimism and courage. Nothing ever kept him down for long. He was always encouraging and loving to me and I am proud to have been a part of his life. Mike loved you so much and you were always on his mind. He told me all of his happy childhood memories of you. I am very fond of you and I am glad to have met you .