Robert W Parker

Robert "Bob" W. Parker, age 93, passed away on September 14, 2025. Bob was born on December 7, 1931 in Austin, Illinois to Kenneth Parker and Florence Wilson. He remembers the bombing on Pearl Harbor on his 10th birthday and was very interested in Hawaii and where it was located. He attended the University of Illinois Navy Pier for a year before joining the navy and was assigned to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii for the duration of his naval career. Upon his honorable discharge, he became a civilian with the navy working at the naval base in Honolulu until his retirement. His job was working with nuclear submarines testing pipe tolerances for leakage. He spent his whole working life in Hawaii and loved Hawaii very much.

Bob had a deep love for travel and adventure. He and his wife Jean Kane, made countless trips between Hawaii and the mainland throughout their relationship, After his retirement in 1987, they traveled around the country in their VW camper van before settling in Salem, OR.

After his retirement, Bob dedicated much of his time to volunteering. He started as a volunteer English language tutor at Chemeketa working with immigrant students learning English. He was a volunteer trainer for the Red Cross teaching classes on CPR. He loved dogs and cats, so he and Jean enjoyed doing obedience and scent tracking with their dogs. Bob learned how to shoot and edit video with CCTV to support local voices and community media, While at CCTV, he filmed a weekly show with Friends of Felines showcasing cats that were up for adoption. Later in life, he discovered the organization Fences for Fido. This non-profit builds fences for people whose dogs are chained up in their yard. Bob spent many Saturdays and Sundays in all kinds of weather reaching out to people, digging post holes and installing fences. Those who knew him remember his independence, quiet strength, generous spirit, and unwavering kindness.

Bob is survived by his wife, Jean Kane; his brother, James; and his three children, Jenny, Randy, and David. He is preceded in death by his parents and younger brother Don. Bob also leaves behind numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will carry his memory forward with love. Bob’s loss is felt deeply by all who knew him and his legacy of compassion and service will not be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers,The family lasks that donations be made to the following organizations he supported:

"Fences For Fido of Oregon" Fences for Fido or mail to Fences For Fido, P.O. Box 80282, Portland OR 97280 and

"Friends of Felines of Oregon" Friends of Felines or mail to Friends of Felines, 4157 Cherry Ave. NE Keizer, OR 97303.

Memorial services will be held in Hawaii and Wisconsin.