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Robin Arkley Obituary
Robin Pickering Arkley, age 83, died suddenly on Monday, August 25, 2008. He loved his wife and his family; his country; Republican politics and a good laugh. Robin was born on June 28, 1925 in Vancouver, British Columbia to Elizabeth and Robert Arkley. His father was in the lumber business and the family migrated to Tacoma, Washington; Eugene, Oregon and finally to Arcata where in 1949 Robin and his father built and operated Arkley Lumber Company. Robin enlisted in the U.S. Army when he was 17 and served in the South Pacific campaign. He was awarded a Purple Heart for his service. At the conclusion of World War II, Robin enrolled in the University of Oregon and made many life-long friendships with his Phi Gamma Delta (”FIJI”) fraternity brothers. Robin married Lois Matthews on October 14, 1951 and together they raised three children - Ann, Rob and John. His beloved Lois predeceased him in March 1999 and he grieved for her for almost ten years. Now they are together again for all time.
Robin loved to ski and he was good at it. He so regretted having to give that up later in life. He was a passionate conservative Republican and was well-known if not always revered for his weekly editorials on the radio program “Community Comment” on KINS-Radio. He was a past member of the Board of Trustees of the Pacific Legal Foundation.
He is survived by his daughter, Ann Arkley Tidwell, and her husband, Jim, of Houston, Texas; his son, Rob Arkley, and wife, Cherie, and their daughters, Allison and Elizabeth, of Eureka; and his son, John Arkley, and long-time companion Kim LaFlamme of Palmer, Alaska. Robin is also survived by a sister, Mary Carter and her sons, William and Rob Carter. His friends will remember him as fiercely loyal and funny.
A Memorial Service celebrating Robin’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 29, 2008 at Arcata Presbyterian Church, 11th and G Streets in Arcata. In lieu of flowers, contributions should be made to The Pacific Legal Foundation, 3900 Lennane Drive, Suite 200, Sacramento, California 95834; or to the charity of your choice. Care is under the direction of Paul’s Chapel, Arcata, California.
Please sign the guestbook at www.times-standard.com, click on obituaries.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robin Arkley
Bobby Lucas
August 22, 2025
I miss you buddy!!
John Homan
July 9, 2018
Unfortunately I never had the opportunity to know him, but hie full rich life, legacy and impact still resonate today.
Elizabeth Rebholtz
September 23, 2008
Rob,
I was so sorry to hear of your father's passing. He was a great guy. I will miss him deeply
Patrick Murphy
September 17, 2008
Dear Rob,
We were saddened to hear of your Dad's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers
We will miss his voice and passionate opinions he often expressed on 'Community Comment'
We are confident you will find comfort in the many fond memories he left behind for you and your family.
Pat & Suzanne Murphy
MARY FROST
September 9, 2008
ROBIN,CHERI AND FAMILY~ YOUR DAD WAS AWESOME! HE WILL BE MISSED,I LOOK BACK ON THE YEARS WHEN I LOST MY BROTHER IN A TRAGIC DIVING ACCIDENT IN HAWAII WHEN ROBIN JR AND I WERE IN HIGH SCHOOL AND REMEMBER MY FATHER WAS WORKING AT ARKLEY LUMBER IN BLUE LAKE AND MR.ARKLEY HELPED OUR FAMILY IN TIME OF NEED, MARY COOPER FROST
Jo Mazurek
September 2, 2008
Mr. Arkley was a passionate man who lived his life to the fullest. Knowing him made one want to emulate his lust for life and passion to take action regarding something that matters.
Lee Hawkins
August 30, 2008
Dear Robin & Family, Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of your Father. We thought he was a great friend qnd neighbor for many years. We will miss our fun talks with him at the Safeway store, in our alley and by the back of his garage. God bless him and you and your family. Jean & Lee Hawkins
Volunteers of the Humboldt Wildlife Care Center
August 30, 2008
We are sorry to hear of your family's loss.
Beau Quigley-Carr
August 28, 2008
Dear Rob,
I am so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Michael Holm
August 28, 2008
I grew up sitting in on business meetings with Robin and my Father. I learned a world of knowledge and life experiences from Robin and I will miss him dearly. God bless.
Joanna Arnold (Said)
August 28, 2008
Robin Arkley was a sweet man, who was always very nice to me when I was growing up on Sugar Bowl Ranch. He will be missed. My thoughts are with his family.
Mary Lou Lorensen
August 28, 2008
Your father was always such a gentleman! He always had a smile and a twinkle in his eyes, especially when he was expressing his opinion.
I always listened to Community Comment on Thursdays, hoping it was his week to state his mind..which he did quite well! He will e missed by many. Sincerely, Mary Lou
Herb Holm
August 28, 2008
its been joy to call you my friend for the past fifty-eight years may god bless and you rest in peace
Herb & Philomena Holm
Mike Goldsby
August 28, 2008
I am sorry to hear of Robin's passing. I first met him in the mid 70's when he was a part of the Straight Arrow coalition, promoting private property rights. I never failed to hear his Community Comments. He was always fiery and entertaining. I wrote him with critical observations about a Community Comment once and he promptly and politely responded. He has made an impression in our community and he left too soon, in my opinion.
Lisa Ayers
August 28, 2008
Rob, Cherie, and girls,
We are so deely sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Our sympathies are with you
Tim and Lisa Ayers
Robert Manne
August 28, 2008
Rob:
I was very sorry to hear that your dad has recently passed away. I have some very fond memories of your dad as he would speak very frankly to me when I first arrived in the county about how I should handle the issues involving the great late Pacific Lumber Company. Know that you and your family are in our prayers as we remember your dad and pray for you and your family as you deal with this great loss. Best Regards, Robert Manne
Bobby Lucas
August 28, 2008
Robin, I will miss our talks. While on patrol, I stopped by your house in Arcata every couple of months and prayed with you. Not many people knew that side of you or had the privilege of witnessing tears stream down your face as you professed your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. I am truly blessed to have been your friend and fellow Christian.
Ben Hurd
August 28, 2008
I feel blessed for the times I spent with Robin. You will be missed, friend.
Ben Hurd
DAVID RENNER
August 28, 2008
WE LOVED ROBIN, HE AND LOIS WERE WONDERFUL TO OUR FAMILY AND MADE US FEEL THAT SUGARBOWL WAS OUR HOME.WE SEND OUR BEST WISHES TO ROB, JOHN, AND THE REST OF THE FAMILY.ROBIN WAS A GOOD FRIEND.MY CHILDREN STILL SPEAK OF THE GREAT TIMES WITH THE ARKLEY FAMILY ON THE TRINITY RIVER.
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