Parfitt was born in Gratiot County, Michigan and attended Central Michigan College, where he played basketball and baseball for the Chippewas. Following his graduation in 1953, he became a teacher and high school basketball coach in Laingsburg, Michigan, starting a prep coaching career that would last until 1962 when he returned to his alma mater as an assistant basketball and baseball coach.[1] In 1971 he was named head coach upon the resignation of Ted Kjolhede.[2] Parfitt served as Central Michigan's head coach as the program transitioned from the NAIA to NCAA Division I status, joining the Mid-American Conference (MAC) in the 1972–73 season. Parfitt quickly built a successful program, winning conference titles and earning the school's first two NCAA tournament appearances in 1975 and 1977. In all, Parfitt served 14 seasons as the Chippewas' head coach, compiling a career record of 192–179.
Parfitt died on September 6, 2021, at age 90.[1][3]
