Robert Parkins, 68, "Old Smilie," husband, dad, grandpa, son, brother, friend and a good man, passed away from a fatal accident while doing what he loved to do Sunday, Oct. 7, 2017, in Lewiston.
Bob was born March 4, 1949, in Spokane, to Joe and Joanne (Fredrickson) Parkins. He was raised outside of Troy with his sisters. His love for horses and cattle started at a young age with his grandfather, Art, and then was cultivated by Clayton Gordon and Slim Smith. Bob attended school in Lewiston and Troy, where his athleticism allowed him to excel in basketball and football. He graduated from Troy High School in 1969 and went on to attend Spokane Community College. Bob then went to work in 1972 for Washington State University School of Veterinary Medicine, where he continued to work for 38 years until his retirement in 2010. At WSU, Bob worked on various projects - one being the design and fitting of the first equine prosthetic leg.
Bob married Krista Senter on Sept. 3, 1971, settling into their family farm shortly thereafter. In 1975, they had their first daughter, Kode Jo, and in 1985 they welcomed Lindsey Rae into their family. He was very proud of his girls' accomplishments.
Bob had a special and unique love for ranching and everything around it. He would put his day on hold just to help someone. Some of his best times were spent roping with friends and family. It wasn't always in the roping pen that he used those skills, but doctoring his own cattle in the open. He sure loved those darn old cows. Bob also had a passion for leather craft and made several saddles and other leather items. Anyone who was lucky enough to use or receive one of Bob's leather items seemed to treasure them.
Bob will be tremendously missed by his wife of 46 years, Krista; daughters Kode Jo (Richard) Hansen of Harvard and Lindsey (Kelsey) Felton of Lewiston; grandchildren Kenzi and Kaney Hansen and Jace Felton; his mother, Joanne Parkins of Troy; sisters Kris Parkins of Troy and Betty (Marvin) Shoemaker of Coeur d'Alene; along with numerous cousins, aunts, uncles and friends in the surrounding area.
He was preceded in death by his father, Joe Parkins; grandparents Art and Irene Fredrickson; and aunt and uncle Marvin and June Cleveland.
A celebration of life will take place at 1 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Moscow Church of the Nazarene in Moscow.
Donations can be made in honor of Bob to the Troy Fire Department, Troy FFA or Shriners Hospital.
Service Information
- Date & Time
- Saturday, November 18, 1:00 PM
- Location
-
Church of the Nazarene
1400 E. 7th Street
Moscow, Idaho 83843
Get Directions
Offer Condolences
Our Family, Serving Yours
✔ Family Owned since 1898
✔ Professional, Licensed Staff
✔ Burial or Cremation Services
✔ Pre-Arranged Funeral Plans
✔ Comfortable Facility
Serving the LC Valley Since 1898
920 21st Avenue