R. M. (Bob) Parkyn

June 7, 1928- March 11, 2010

Beloved husband and loving father and grandfather (nono), Bob is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years Lillian (nee Fabbri); their children Lindy Enns (Hans) of Lethbridge, Bob (Brenda) and Rick (Carla) of Calgary; and four grandchildren, Jarret (Trena), Crystal, Cale and Chelsea; brother Dick (Maxine) of Whiterock, B.C.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bob attended Elementary and High School in Calgary and completed grade 12 at the Lethbridge Collegiate Institute (1945-1946). He commenced employment and articled with George A. Young CA in 1946, and studied via Queens University to attain his Chartered Accountant Designation in 1953. He then became the first partner of G.A. Young CA in 1958, and later was managing Partner of Young Parkyn McNab, until retirement in 1990.

During his professional career, Bob was active in The Institute Of Chartered Accountants of Alberta, served as chairman of numerous institute committees over 11 years, and was an elected member of the of the Institute Council from 1972-1977. He was also a member of the ICCA Accounting Education Foundation of Alberta and served as the President of the local Lethbridge & District CA Association in 1964. In 1978, Bob was granted an FCA designation in recognition of his conspicuous services to the Institute, and was given a life membership in the Alberta Institute in 1993, and a 50-year award in 2003.

In 1968, Bob was recognized, along with a former school mate (former Alberta Premier Peter Loughheed ), as one of the 10 Outstanding Young Men of Alberta & the Northwest Territories by the Alberta Jaycees. That same year he was named the Lethbridge Citizen of the Year by the local Junior Chamber of Commerce.

Extremely active in the community, Bob served terms as Chair of the City of Lethbridge Economic Development Board, Member of the Social Services Advisory Board, Ad Hoc Committee (finance) of the Lethbridge Association for the Mentally Handicapped, Past Director, Finance Chair and Vice Chair of the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce, Director and Campaign Chairman of the Lethbridge United Appeal. He was also an active member of the Lethbridge YMCA (1970's) and served as a board member, Chair of The Ways and Means Committee, Board Vice-Chair and Capital campaign member. He served as the Southern Alberta High School football Commissionaire and Treasurer of the Lethbridge Minor Football Assn., and was the volunteer Treasurer for the Lethbridge Broder Chinooks Basketball Team for many years during the days leading to their National Basketball Championship.
In addition, Bob served as the Assistant Public Relations Chairman of the Lethbridge Canada Winter Games, as Chair of the Friends of the Games of the Alberta Summer Games, and on many committees for the University of Lethbridge. He was a member of the Kinsmen Club for over 20 years and served as a Treasurer, Director, President and Chair of the Kinsmen Sportsmens' Dinner. He co-chaired in building the Fort Whoop- Up and Train Centennial Project. He was elected as a District Deputy Governor of Zone 4 Kinsmen clubs, awarded the Kin Merit Trophy, and a life membership. He served on the boards of the Alberta Opportunity Company and the Credit Union Deposit Guarantee Corp. for a total of 12 years.
Due to increased health problems Bob's activities, although limited, did extend to letters to the Lethbridge Herald regarding problems or issues that he perceived effected the community.

Above all, Bob loved his family and watched over everyone with great intensity, love and devotion.

Farewell Commander

A Celebration of Bob's life will be held at 1:00pm in the GALT MUSEUM on Tuesday, March 16, 2010.