Robert Parks

Robert F. Parks



September 28, 1937 - December 25, 2020







It is with great sadness the family of Robert "Bob" Parks announce his passing on December 25, 2020, after a courageous battle with Covid Pneumonia.



He is survived by his wife of 50 yrs. Rosella "Rosie", Daughters: Regina Parks of Anchorage, AK, Teresa Parks of the City of Maricopa, AZ. Sons: Scott Parks(Patricia) of Haymarket, VA, Jason Parks (Andrea) of Okemah, OK. and Five (5) Grandchildren, Three (3) Great-Grandchildren, His Mother-in-Law Mary Kraft of Holiday, FL and Sister-in-Law and Brother-in-Law Patti & Tom Babbino of Port Richey, FL., many nieces and nephews.



In 1971 Bob moved his family to Anchorage, Alaska. He became a member of the Anchorage Fire Dept (AFD). Bob retired from the AFD in 1994 at the rank of Captain and Arson Investigator a position he held for the last 10 years of his service. After retirement he did private Fire Investigations for State Farm Insurance.



Over the course of his 83 years, Bob joined the Navy at the age of 17 and served as a corpsman on the Aircraft Carrier USS Princeton. After his tour in the Navy, he returned to Rapid City, SD, where he worked as a wrangler and ranch hand before joining the Rapid City Fire Dept. During his years in Rapid City, Bob also participated in many area rodeos as a bull rider, winning several belt buckles during his riding career. After leaving the rodeo arena his next adventure was drag racing, he was a Ford man, he proceeded to move from Drag Racing to Stock Car, round track racing, again a Ford. He loved seeing Rosie race in the Ladies Powder Puff races. He enjoyed teaching Rosie how to shoot and hunt. There are many memories of hunting trips with friends.



In addition to being a member of the Anchorage Fire Dept. he was a Bush Pilot, having owned a Helio Currier & Super Cub (he rebuilt the scrubbed Super Cub to flying status). He could also pilot a 185 and Beaver. During hunting season, he served as a pilot and Big Game Guide for the well-known Branham family hunting lodge. His wife, children, friends and family members enjoyed many flights with him.



1998 found him and Rosie moving to the Bitterroot Valley of Montana, where again there were many hunting trips, golf games and Friday nights at his favorite hangout, the Longbranch, with new and old friends. Many hours were spent rebuilding a 1973 Bronco with the help of a very good friend.



In 2015 the move to Wickenburg was made. He loved the Wickenburg area. Many new friends were made many old friends visited. His attention switched to ATV's. He loved and enjoyed the many ATV rides exploring the desert. The Friday nights drinking Jack Daniels at the local Wickenburg American Legion or Bar 7, socializing with his many new and old friends. His favorite movie was the original Wizard of Oz. Who knew? Old silent movie was another favorite.



Where there was Bob there was Rosie, where there was Rosie there was Bob. They enjoyed traveling together to the Caribbean , the South Pacific, Southeast Asia, Japan, Mexico and thru out the U.S.



He will be missed by his wife, children and extended family and many friends near and far. A Celebration of Life is planned at a later date.