Robert M. Compeau

1932 - 2015

Robert "Bob" Murray Compeau Jr. passed away peacefully at his home Jan. 4, 2015, surrounded by his family. Born in Bellingham, Washington, in 1932, Bob was 8 years old when he and his family moved from Everett, Washington, to Fairbanks in 1940.
Like his parents, Bob Sr. and Helyn Compeau, Bob loved the Alaska outdoors, especially when it came to boating. Bob grew up around his dad's sporting goods store on Cushman Street, and as a young man quickly developed an affinity for the many shallow rivers and hidden lakes of the Interior.
Bob and his wife, Chris, met in Vancouver, British Columbia, and were married in 1954.
One of Bob's favorite activities was spending time up the Goodpaster River near Delta Junction. In the early 1950s, he built a cabin with his dad so his family could enjoy the Goody as much as he did. Bob's children and grandchildren spent many weekends of fun-filled trips up the river. His family also spent weekends at his Harding Lake cabin, where he enjoyed many hours in his final years.
Bob accelerated the growth of the business in many new areas, focusing especially on snowmachines. He introduced the Yellow Husky to Fairbanks as one of its first snowmachines, and it forever changed the landscape of winter transportation in the Interior. Bob's many innovative ideas continued to push the company forward, in both the marine and snowmachine industry. For several years, Compeau's was recognized as the largest Ski-Doo dealership in the world. Today, the Fairbanks business that bears his name will celebrate its 70th year in business. His son, Craig, now serves as vice president and manager of the company.
Bob was highly respected as a businessman, employer, family man and pioneer Alaskan. He will be very much missed by those he leaves behind.
Bob is survived by his wife, Chris Compeau; his three children, Carone Cobden, Craig Compeau and Steffanie Leslie; his two sisters, Charlyne Ralls and Diane Holmstrom; and his seven grandchildren, Elizabeth Compeau, Emily Compeau, Jacie Sturm, Joel Sturm, Annie Sturm, Aaron Leslie and Benjamin Leslie.
A celebration of Bob's life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015, at the Fountainhead Hotel Borealis Room, with a reception to follow at the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum. In lieu of flowers, the family asks contributions be made to a favorite charity.