Robert Henry Parkerson

(1932 – 2017)

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Robert Henry “Bob” Parkerson, 85, announces his passing, Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2017, at the Alaska Veterans and Pioneers Home (AVPH) in Palmer, Alaska.

The youngest of six children, Bob was born June 2, 1932, in Brooklyn, New York, to the late Claude R. and Dorothy (Castleden) Parkerson. In February 1955, Bob married the love of his life, Joyce Anne (Potter) Parkerson. They began raising their family in Puerto Rico, eventually having two sons. Bob served in the United States Air Force, retiring in 1957 as Staff Sergeant, AF 15 506 438 Regular Air Force. Hhe was very proud to have served his country. He attended Ohio State University, and in 1971 headed up the Alcan Highway with his family Joyce, Stan and Keith. He received his doctoral degree in Forest Sciences in 1977 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Bob and Joyce were married 47 years and enjoyed hunting, camping, fishing, road trips, walking and outings with his family.

Bob was a Benefactor member of the National Riffle Association (NRA) and was a talented gunsmith. He was a very talented artist and specialized in landscapes; he also dabbled in poetry writing and had a narrative poem about one of his favorite hunting trips on the Nowitna River, Alaska. Bob also liked to play practical jokes on anyone within distance, and gave each of his grandchildren special loving nicknames. After graduating from UAF, Bob, Joyce, and Keith moved to Palmer, Alaska, where he managed and worked as Director of the Alaska Plant Material Center for the Department of Natural Resources for the State of Alaska. Bob enjoyed many ocean trips to Prince William Sound with Joyce, family, and close friends. Bob and Joyce’s home was open to all, and they had many happy times over holiday occasions, including visits from family and friends. He also traveled home to Ohio on several occasions to visit family there.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce; parents Claude R. and Dorothy “Castleden” Parkerson; and three brothers and two sisters. He is survived by his sons Stan (Dorothy) Parkerson and Keith Parkerson; grandchildren Shiloh Parkerson, Sarah Parkerson Gomes (Sidi), Danielle Tarjoman (Mike), and Kyle Parkerson; great-grandchildren Dawson and Micah Tarjoman; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Bob spent the last four years of his life as a resident at AVPH, battling Alzheimer’s. While there the staff gave him the nickname “Cool Bob” and were quick to express how pleasant and helpful he was. Our family cannot express enough thanks to the staff at AVPH for their loving and family-like professional attention they showed for Bob. Burial and graveside services will be at the Valley Memorial Park, Mile 8 South Old Glenn Highway, Palmer, Alaska (towards the Butte) 12 p.m. Aug. 24, 2017. Funeral Home: Legacy Funeral Homes, 209 South Alaska Street, Palmer, Alaska 99645 907-745-3580