Robert Grier Parke, Jr.

Robert Grier Parke, Jr., known affectionately as Bob, was born on March 28, 1945, in Cleveland, Ohio. He passed away peacefully on September 3, 2025, at Torrance Memorial Hospital after a long and courageous battle with kidney cancer.

Bob was born to Robert and Peggy Parke in Ohio in 1945 and moved to California with his parents as a young boy.  Bob graduated from South High School in Torrance, California, in 1963. He then pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration in general management from the University of Houston in 1968, and later a Master of Business Administration from the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business in 1975. Additionally, he completed the Executive Management Program at the University of California Los Angeles in 1988.

In a remarkable chapter of his life, Bob served in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1972, where he distinguished himself as a captain, helicopter pilot, and field artillery officer. His commitment and bravery were recognized through several commendations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, 37 Combat Air Medals, two Army Commendation Medals, and the Bronze Star. These experiences imbued him with values of leadership, discipline, and integrity that he carried throughout his career.

Upon transitioning to civilian life, Bob enjoyed considerable success in the business world. From 1972 to 2000, he worked at Hughes Aircraft Company, ultimately serving as the vice president of human resources. Following this role, he acted as the director of human resources and a consultant at Executive Recruiting Company before co-founding Secova in Costa Mesa, California, where he held numerous leadership roles, eventually serving as the senior vice president until 2019.

Bob was also an active member of his community, serving on the board of trustees for the Palos Verdes Library District since 2019 and becoming its president in 2023. His legacy of service extended to organizations such as Daedalians, Children’s Dental Center, Junior Achievement of Southern California, Hughes Retiree Association, the Palos Verdes Golf Club Scholarship Foundation, and the Peninsula Friends of the Library.

Despite his many achievements, it was his faith and his dedication to family and friends that defined him. Bob cherished time spent with loved ones, particularly relishing gatherings during holidays. He was known for his lighthearted spirit, often delighting his family with “knee-slapper” jokes that brought laughter into their lives. An avid golfer and a passionate USC football fan, Bob also shared a profound love for travel, exploring all 50 states and beyond with his wife, Sharron, and creating lasting memories with family and friends.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Sharron Parke; his children, Kristi Ikemori (Ian), Greg Parke, and Alex Parke; his grandchildren, Keili and Keira Ikemori; his brother, Dave Parke (Linda); his sister, Anne Parke; his brother-in-law, Bruce McKaig (Alayne); his sisters-in-law, Patti McKaig and Bonnie McKaig; his nieces and nephews, Rick McKaig (Dilyce), Jeff McKaig, Melissa Fowler (Brandon), Natalie McKaig, Amanda McKaig, Aleetha Castro (Mauricio), David Parke (Suzi), as well as several cherished great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret "Peggy" Judge (Tom); his father and stepmother, Robert G. Parke (Lee); his mother-in-law, Christine McKaig; his father-in-law, George McKaig; and his brother-in-law, William "Bill" McKaig.

The family will hold a private burial service at Green Hills Cemetery on Saturday, September 13, 2025. Friends and loved ones are invited to join in a Celebration of Life at the Palos Verdes Golf Club on Friday, October 10, 2025, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, to honor and remember a man who gave so much to all those around him.

Memorial donations may be made to the Peninsula Library Friends Foundation or the Palos Verdes Golf Club Scholarship Foundation, which provides reimbursement to the PV Golf Club's employees and their children for educational expenses incurred at accredited colleges, universities, community colleges and trade schools.