Paul Joseph Parker passed away at Marquette General Hospital on Saturday evening, September 24, 2005, where he had been a patient for five days. Paul had been given the gift of an organ transplant in April of this year. Despite this generous donation, Paul passed away as a result of the complications of Fabry’s Disease which he suffered with all of his adult life.

Paul was born on May 5, 1961 in Marquette, the son of Leonard E. Parker and Dorothy E. Bancroft. He was a graduate of Marquette Senior High School’s class of 1980 and a graduate of Northern Michigan University.

When Paul was healthier he got great pleasure from riding his bicycle, going hunting, and spending time outside – just relaxing in the sunshine or going to camp. More recently, he enjoyed a good game of BINGO or a trip to the casino. Paul’s family and their many gatherings were always a very strong part of his life.

Paul is survived by:

His father: Leonard E. Parker

Sister-in-law: Dina Parker of Indiana

Big sister: Bonnie (John) Longhi of Green Bay, WI

Brothers: Leonard (Julie) Parker; Alan (Margaret) Parker

Sister-in-law: Cindy Parker of Marquette

Little sister: Peggy (Phil) Mickelson of Fort Worth, TX

Nieces and nephews: Misiel (Chuck) Conlen; Robbie (Sadie) and Nicole Longhi; Andrea and Lincoln Parker; Richard Parker; Chris (Sara) and Jessica Parker

Great nieces: Manelle Conlen and Raegan Parker

Great nephew, Riley Conlen

Paul also has several aunts and uncles surviving him, as well as his dear friends, Dave & Kay Benson, Mike Fosco and Brian Young.

Paul was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy; sister, Janie; and brothers, Jimmy and Clark.

Paul’s friends and family are invited to gather to celebrate Paul’s life at the home of his father, Leonard E. Parker, 429 N. Fourth Street, Marquette, on Tuesday, September 27. This coffee will be held from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm.

Interment will be made at Park Cemetery.

Paul’s family wishes to thank the family that generously shared the gift of life in donating the organs of their loved one so that Paul could have a chance at a better life. Thank you also to all of Paul’s health care providers that came into his life over these last couple of years. And a special thanks goes out to all of his friends and acquaintances that he came to know in the Hemodialysis Unit at Marquette General Hospital.