Robert Max Parker

Robert Max Parker, 86, died Nov. 30, 2011, at his home in Wasilla surrounded by his family.

He was born Jan. 23, 1925, in Dana, Ind., to Charles and Katie (Smith) Parker.

A celebration of life service in honor of Bob is at 2 p.m., Jan. 28, 2012, at the Chapel by the Sea Church, 14730 Turnagain Bluff Way, in Anchorage.

The Rev. Tim Davis and Jim Eller will officiate at the services. Military honors will be performed at the service in honor of Bob’s service to his country. Interment will be held in the summer at Fort Richardson National Cemetery in Anchorage.

Bob, as family and friends knew him, realized his lifelong dream to relocate his family from Michigan in 1974. He worked for various contractors as a framing and finish carpenter in Michigan and Alaska until his retirement at age 65. When he retired, his love affair with creating things with his hands never left him.

He was a gifted woodworker, and he toiled in his beloved workshop to make the gifts that his family and friends enjoyed over the years. Among his masterpieces are crosses that adorn the front of churches and hope chests for his granddaughters. He lived in Anchorage from 1974 until year, when he moved to Wasilla with his wife, Margaret.

Bob proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II and participated in the invasion of Normandy beach. He enjoyed strumming on his banjo, reading Louis L’Amour novels, woodworking, fishing on the Little Su with his family and golfing.

His family said Bob, or “Pa” as his grandchildren affectionately called him, left his family and friends with many good memories and a treasured heritage. His ready smile and the twinkle in his eye made him a favorite to all those who knew him.

Bob loved his Lord, his family and country. He was proud to be an American and he encouraged that pride and love of country in his children and grandchildren. Bob’s family meant the world to him. He adored Margaret, his wife of 55 years, and enjoyed his kids and the great family get-togethers that always meant lots of fun and laughter.

His grandchildren were the light of his life, but most of all Bob loved his Lord.

“Our family holds many precious memories of the wonderful things he gave us, but the greatest joy is the spiritual heritage with which he left us,” his family wrote. “Because of his faith, we know he is in heaven and that makes the hole that he leaves a bit easier to bear. Because of Jesus, the grave holds no victory and death has no sting. Because of Jesus, we will be reunited, and see him again … further on down the river.”

The family suggests memorials be made in honor of Bob to Mat-Su Home Care and Hospice, 950 E. Bogard Road Suite 132, Wasilla, AK 99654, or Samaritan’s Purse with memorials “in honor of” Robert or Bob Parker at the organization’s donor ministries department, (800) 528-1980 or samaritanspurse.org.

Arrangements were entrusted to Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel and Crematory of Wasilla.