Gary McMichael, LCSW, MDiv

It is with heavy hearts that we share that our beloved colleague Rev. Gary McMichael died Sunday, June 28.  Gary had lived with a genetic condition with strong potential to turn into cancer. Over the past several years, Gary successfully fought through several cancer diagnoses and treatments until recently, the cancer he had been diagnosed with a number of years ago returned and metastasized.

Gary was a Presbyterian minister in the National Capital Presbytery, who earned his Masters in Social work, and joined the Center for Pastoral Counseling of Virginia in March of 1999 as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Gary provided his clients, the CPC community, and the community at large with compassionate and dedicated care for the last 21 years.  His wife, Jennifer, shared that Gary loved and was committed to his clients up until the last days of his life.  Jennifer shared that as he entered Hospice care, he was still working to make sure that he did all that he could so that his clients would be taken care of even after he died. 

Gary brought special warmth to his work, specializing in counseling couples, as well as individuals and families.  Clients would often be greeted not only by Gary, but by his beloved dog Freda as well.  He was an avid outdoorsman and lover of nature, often sharing his adventures with those of us who cared for him. Gary brought calm and gentleness to all that he did.  He will be greatly missed.

Gary’s life will be remembered with a livestream memorial service at Rock Spring United Church of Christ (UCC) on Sunday, July 26, at 4:00 p.m.  His service can be accessed by going to Rock Spring’s website at this link:  https://bit.ly/RockSpringLivestream.  Please use the password “Gary” to access the livestream. (Or you may also access the service by going to www.rockspringucc.org, clicking on “Worship and Music,” then “Worship,” and then “Watch our livestream.”)

For those who would like to take action to honor Gary’s life, you may make donations to the following charities that Gary shared were dear to his heart: 

Presbyterian Church USA Hunger Fund https://www.presbyterianmission.org/donate/H999999/

Church World Services Development Projects https://cwsglobal.org/our-work/global-development/  and

Rock Spring Congregational Church Social Action and Mission Board https://www.rockspringucc.org/service-justice/social-action-mission-sam

Expressions of sympathy can be sent to his wife, Jennifer, in care of CPC:

Jennifer Jones

c/o Center for Pastoral Counseling

PO Box QQ

McLean, 22101

Gary McMichael

Contact:

If you are a former client of Gary’s and need to connect with a staff member, please call 703-903-9696 x290

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