Dr. Marvin E. "Marv" Parent

Dr. Marvin E. “Marv” Parent lived a remarkable life marked by intellectual curiosity, boundless energy, a passion for teaching, and an extraordinary appetite for adventure. Whether in the classroom, on a mountain summit, or surrounded by family and friends, Marv embraced life with enthusiasm, determination, and a spirit that inspired those around him.

Marv is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, Ann Parent; his son, Jeff Parent (Renee), and his daughter, Brenda Lee (Norm); his four grandchildren, Salina, Harmony, Samuel, and Jacquelyn; his sister, Doris Casper; and his niece and nephew, Kathy and Jon.

One of the most meaningful chapters of Marv's life began at the “Luv Run” in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, where he met Ann. Their relationship lasted exactly 44 years, to the day, until Marv's passing on October 16. Together, they traveled to 35 countries, including England, Peru, Australia, Tanzania, and China. Their favorite destination was Nepal, which they visited three times. There, they developed a lasting friendship with their tour guide, Padam Gurung, whom they later sponsored to immigrate to the United States. Their travels reflected not only a shared love of adventure, but also a genuine interest in the people and cultures they encountered.

A lifelong educator, Marv graduated from Cleveland State University in 1959, earned master's degrees from the University of Michigan and Clarkson University, and later received his Ph.D. from Wayne State University. He devoted much of his career to teaching chemistry and nutrition at Oakland Community College (OCC), earning numerous honors, including the Catalyst Award for Excellence in Chemistry Teaching. Upon retirement, he was named Distinguished Professor Emeritus.

Marv also had the pleasure of sharing his professional home at OCC with his son Jeff, who teaches mathematics and statistics. The family's commitment to education continues through the Parent Family Scholarship, established at OCC to honor Marv's parents, Samuel and Carlene Parent, and support future generations of students.

An accomplished athlete, Marv played varsity soccer at Cleveland State and organized a collegiate hockey team that tied Ohio State for the league championship in 1958. He later established the first public school soccer program in Oakland County, Michigan while teaching at Groves Highschool. Over his lifetime, he completed 13 marathons, including the Boston Marathon, and 10 triathlons, including a half-Ironman events. Marv also played competitive senior softball for decades, earning age-group All-American honors.

Marv's passion for adventure took him far beyond the athletic field. He skied at more than 100 resorts throughout North America, accumulated an astonishing 900,000 vertical feet of helicopter skiing in Canada, and made technical ascents of Grand Teton, Longs Peak, and Mount Rainier. He hiked in the Himalayas, Alaska, and Canada, and enjoyed long-distance cycling, camping, sailing, and countless other outdoor pursuits. His enthusiasm for life extended to music as well; during college, he sang in a quartet that performed on Cleveland radio.

Despite his many accomplishments, Marv believed the greatest reward was in the experience itself. He encouraged others to remain active, embrace new challenges, and above all, enjoy the journey.

Marv particularly admired the philosophy that “life should not be spent trying to arrive at its end in a perfectly preserved body. Rather, skid broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming “Wow, what a ride!!”

And what a ride it was.

Marv leaves behind a legacy of love, curiosity, perseverance, and a determination to live life to its fullest. He will be remembered by his family, friends, colleagues, and generations of students whose lives he touched.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on November 22nd., with details to follow.

Memorial contributions may be directed to:

American Cancer Society

Alzheimer's Association  

Best Friends Animal Society (BestFriends.org)

The Parent Family Scholarship at Oakland Community College (Donate).  Checks should be made payable to OCC Foundation, with "Parent Family Endowed Scholarship" on the Memo line.