In Remembrance

Don Parsons, MD

02/25/1941 - 08/08/2023

Don Parson, MD, joined the Colorado Healthcare Ethics Forum board of directors in June 2019. He was very active on a variety of projects undertaken by our organization.

Don's loss will be felt acutely by both CHEF and the broader community.  He was a tireless advocate for those who are often ignored or given little voice, working to ensure that our conferences and webinars considered the issues faced by those experiencing homelessness and/or mental health crises.  He was so deeply invested in giving to the community, not only through his service to CHEF but through the many other organizations with which he volunteered.  We will always remember him as an exemplar of that ever-rare combination of traits--an eager and attentive listener, a gracious and wise interlocutor, and a person who spoke with conviction and humility.  Many of us will also remember him for his wit and humor. Our hope is that his family and loved ones can take some consolation during their time of grief in the certain knowledge that Don left the world better than he found it and made a positive imprint on many around him. He will be missed.

Colorado Healthcare Ethics Forum Board of Directors

Don had an esteemed career as a general surgeon with Colorado Kaiser Permanente.

He is a past President of the Colorado Chapter of the American Cancer Society, Colorado Public Health Association, Denver Medical Society, Colorado Foundation for Medical Care, Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, and Summit Community Care Clinic.
He served in leadership positions with St. Anthony Summit Medical Center, Centura Mountain North Denver, Summit County's 9 Health Fair, Summit Community Care Clinic, Group to Alleviate Smoking Pollution (GASP) of Colorado, High Country Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, St. Anthony Summit Health Foundation.

He was a graduate of Stanford University and University of Rochester medical school. He spent two years in the Peace Corps in Somalia.