Robert Obadiah Parkinson

Robert Obadiah Parkinson, 103, born on November 16, 1908, in South Dakota, passed away April 23, 2012. He resided in Glendale, California at the time of his passing. Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, CA.

ROBERT OBADIAH PARKINSON

November 16, 1908-April 23, 2012

Bob Parkinson grew up on a farm outside of Highmore, South Dakota, enrolled as a freshman at Dakota Wesleyan University in 1926, and graduated in 1933. He took more than the usual four years to graduate because twice he took years off to help on the family farm so that his brothers could attend college. He also worked odd jobs that now evoke the different world of that time. He delivered coal to the dormitories in a horse-drawn wagon and cleaned rooms there, as well as serving as driver for Dr. Earl Roadman, the then-president of Wesleyan. Bob graduated from Dakota Wesleyan in 1933 with a major in history.

Bob received his master's degree in history from the University of Iowa in 1935. His first teaching position was in Ideal, S.D., followed by a position at Sioux Falls Washington High School. He was granted a leave of absence to teach at the radio training school at the Sioux Falls Army Air Base during World War II. In 1945, Bob became a salesman for Alcoa Aluminum, working first in South Dakota, then in Iowa, and finally in Los Angeles, Calif., where he was in charge of sales for the southwestern United States.

Bob left Alcoa in 1961 to return to teaching in the Los Angeles school system, working until his retirement in 1974. While teaching at Verdugo Hills High School, he formed the International Relations Club, was involved in the first mentor teaching program, and developed one of the first business and school partnership programs.

After retirement, Bob became what he called a "professional volunteer". His volunteer work has included everything from teaching to helping resurface his church's parking lot. His church, the First United Methodist Church of Glendale, Calif., recognized his volunteer efforts by presenting him with the first ever "Silent Disciple" award. He was one of 19 senior citizens from throughout the nation chosen to participate in a volunteer training conference of the Close Up Foundation, which provides civic education travel programs in Washington, D.C. He was later named Volunteer of the Year by the Glendale City Council.

Bob, who turned 103 in November, continued to lead a United Methodist men's group, teach adult Sunday School classes, and work with volunteer projects such as Habitat for Humanity. He and his wife, Amy, who died in 1985, were the parents of twin daughters: Lois Zamora and Lucille McCarthy. His daughters and grandchildren, Camille Zamora Whayne and Peter Zamora, Aubin Martinez and Gavin McCarthy, and his great grandchildren, Landon, Nate, Conlan and Griffin, survive him.

Bob died peacefully at his home in Glendale, with friends and family by his side. We are grateful that he lived a full life until the very end. He loved this beautiful world, and he leaves many us with rich memories of his generosity and positive spirit.

The committal service will be on Tuesday, May 1, at 12:30 at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, 6300 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90068. The meeting place will be in front of the iron gates at the entrance to Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills.

The celebration of Bob's life will be held in the Glendale First United Methodist Church, 134 N. Kenwood, Glendale, CA 91206, on Saturday, May 19th, at 3:00.