Colin Murray Parkes

Colin Murray Parkes (6 March 1928 – 13 January 2024) was a renowned British psychiatrist and author specializing in grief studies. Born in Highgate, London, he worked at St Christopher's Hospice from 1966, where he established the first hospice-based bereavement service and conducted early research on hospice care. He held positions as an honorary consultant psychiatrist, senior lecturer, and researcher.

Parkes was a key figure in bereavement care, serving as chairman and life president of Cruse Bereavement Care. He provided consultancy during major disasters, including the Aberfan tragedy, Invicta air crash, Bradford fire, MS Herald of Free Enterprise capsize, and Pan American Flight 103 explosion. In 1995, he worked with UNICEF in Rwanda, and in 2005, assessed psychological needs post-Indian Ocean tsunami.

As a scientific editor for *Bereavement Care* and contributor to journals on hospice and palliative care, Parkes authored or co-edited influential books like *Death and Bereavement Across Cultures*, *Coping with Loss*, and *The Price of Love*. His work focused on traumatic grief and the psychological impact of loss. A memorable quote from his 1972 book, "Grief is the price we pay for love," was cited by Queen Elizabeth II.

Parkes’ publications include editions on bereavement, attachment, and terrorism’s psychosocial effects. His contributions significantly advanced understanding of grief and trauma, earning him an OBE in 1996. He passed away at 95, leaving a lasting legacy in the field of bereavement care.