06/17/2026
I am editing this post to include Dr. Brian's obituary.
Good evening friends. As I was reflecting on a few things program related this week and looking ahead to next year(there is always planning to be done!) it was brought to my attention that Dr. Brian Parkhurst passed away unexpectedly on Sunday June 14. The boys know Brian as the bird guy! Brian brought Roja the red shoulder hawk and Kestra the Kestrel into church this past year and spent time talking with them about the birds and their importance.
Brian was a friend, teacher and an encourager for me. I saw him last week Thursday and of the 15 Kestrel boxes that we built we definitely have 1 that has Kestrels in it!
Please be in prayer for the Parkhurst family, and all who are associated with Falconshire Raptors as this will be a difficult time.
Dr. Brian Parkhurst DC
Nov 25, 1966 – June 14, 2026
Dr. Brian (Scott) Parkhurst, age 59, passed away on Sunday, June 14, 2026.
Dr. Brian was born in Groton, Connecticut, at the Naval Submarine Medical Center to Dave and Carol Parkhurst. As the son of a Naval family, he spent his childhood living on military bases across the United States and Hawaii, experiences that instilled in him a lifelong sense of adventure, resilience, and appreciation for the natural world.
He earned his bachelor's degree in Park and Recreational Administration from Southern Illinois University with plans to manage large recreational areas. However, after a devastating snowmobile accident left him searching for answers, chiropractic care dramatically changed his life. Following his first treatment, nearly 60% of his symptoms were relieved. Inspired by that experience, he sold his home, moved to Davenport, Iowa, and enrolled at Palmer College of Chiropractic.
During his first year at Palmer, Brian met fellow student Karla, the love of his life. Together they navigated the challenges of chiropractic school, building a partnership grounded in love, faith, and shared purpose. They married on the very day they graduated and later settled in Holland, where they opened Parkhurst Chiropractic in January 2000.
For more than twenty-six years, Drs. Brian and Karla built Parkhurst Chiropractic into a respected practice known for compassionate, patient-centered care. Their vision was simple: to create a place where every patient felt welcomed, cared for, and valued. Dr. Brian cared for everyone from children and families to student athletes and professional competitors, always believing that healing meant treating people with kindness, respect, and hope. The clinic's motto reflected the way he lived his life: "You will enter as strangers and leave as friends."
That same calling to serve extended beyond the clinic. Brian's passion for falconry began in 1995 while living in Iowa, eventually earning him Master Class Falconer status and numerous federal and state permits. In 2002, he co-founded the Outdoor Discovery Center's Bird of Prey Program, now the DeWitt Bird of Prey Program. In 2023, he fulfilled a lifelong vision by founding Falconshire Raptors of West Michigan, a nonprofit dedicated to Conservation, Education, Rescue, and Research. Whether mentoring aspiring falconers, teaching wildlife biology, training bird dogs, or caring for injured raptors, Brian freely shared his knowledge, patience, and enthusiasm, inspiring others to become thoughtful stewards of the natural world.
Dr. Brian also gave generously of his time through volunteer service on several community boards, most recently at Anchorage Marina. He found great joy on the water, whether boating with friends or simply appreciating the peace and beauty of the shoreline.
Above all, Brian treasured his family. He is survived by his beloved wife and partner of twenty-six years, Dr. Karla Parkhurst, along with a loving extended family, countless friends, devoted patients, colleagues, students, and members of the falconry and conservation communities whose lives he touched. His legacy of compassion, mentorship, generosity, and service will continue through all who had the privilege of knowing him.
An Open House for family and friends will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State Street, Zeeland, Michigan 49464.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association in Dr. Brian's honor. Support LBDA With a Donation | Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA)
"Though his time with us was too short, Brian's spirit lives on in every life he touched, every patient he helped, every student he mentored, and every bird he released to the sky."
