Robert L. Parks

PARKS, Robert L. - Of Flint, age 91 died Wednesday July 22, 2020.

Loving husband of Jean for 69 years. Dear father to Gary (Eleanor), Greenville, TN. Brion (Zaria), Midway, TN. Judy Mikhail (Dr. Raouf), Flint, MI. Gentle Grandfather to Christina Mikhail, Flint, Danielle Mikhail, Chicago, Dr. Alex Mikhail, New Orleans, Jerry Parks, Washington DC, Nate Parks, Washington DC, brother Dr. David Parks (Vickie), Foley, AL, sister Elizabeth Havener (Victor), Grand Rapids, MI.

Robert was born in McPherson, KA on July 15, 1929. The son of the late Warner and Mildred Parks.

He had a life full of excitement. His college life at Spring Arbor University and Albion College was always being interrupted by far more exciting pursuits. Riding his Harley motorcycle out west to be a cowboy on a ranch in West Texas for a year. Riding up Pikes Peak, climbing down the rocks and discovering the body of a missing soldier. Following the wheat harvest in Oklahoma.

He worked nine years as a writer and photographer for the Port Huron Times Herald. Then coming to the Flint Journal as a photographer for twenty-five years. His job gave him a close-up view of people and events in our lifetime. Photographing four Presidents, politicians, sport legends and so much more.

In retirement he became a master wood worker. His tables, bowls and candle sticks were sold in galleries across the country including North West Gallery Seattle, WA, Big Sur, CA, Phoenix, AZ and Ann Arbor, MI.                    

Many of his summer vacations were spent at Lake Muskoka, Ontario with a large loving Canadian Family. So, he is going home.

Cremation has taken place. A future memorial service will be held in Gravenhurst, Ontario, Canada with burial in Evergreen Cemetery.

                             We are such stuff as dreams are made on,

                             And our little life is rounded with a sleep.

                                                                              Shakespeare