Glendale resident Dr. Robert Parkinson has a doctorate in Humane Letters from the Dakota Wesleyan University in South Dakota. (Roger Wilson/News-Press) Former teacher keeps busy with men’s club, Habitat for Humanity and Retired Teachers Assn. By Sabina Ohanessian Published: Last Updated Tuesday, May 26, 2009 10:46 PM PDT Robert Parkinson had a lot to celebrate on his 100th birthday last November.
The Glendale resident, who has an honorary doctorate, has donated time and money to many projects that have benefited from his huge talent. A retired teacher, he is active in the Retired Teachers Assn., headed up a men’s dining out club, and been in charge of the Methodist Men’s Club. He has also contributed much time to the Habitat for Humanity projects.
Sabina Ohanessian: For what did you receive your Honorary Doctorate?
Robert Parkinson: Well, I was a teacher until I turned 65. That’s when I started making donations to the Dakota Wesleyan University. I made substantial contributions to the school, so they awarded me with a doctorate of Humanities.
Q: What exactly is the Retired Teachers Assn., and what is your role in it?
A: We are a group of retired teachers, who meet once a month for a luncheon. If there is anything dealing with retired teachers, we are asked to take a stand on it statewide. We later contact our legislator and let him know what we think. Our pensions are paid by state taxes.
Q: What about the men’s dining out club, what is that?
A: The name of the club is ROMEO, Retired Old Men Eating Out. We are a bunch of men, around 15 members, that have a real affinity with each other.
We meet every Friday morning at the Shaker. We try to have a program prepared every week. It’s just a time and place for us men to talk about things and have discussions without having any interruptions. We usually plan a book review or something that’s not too controversial.
Q: You’re also in charge of the Methodist Men’s Club; what does this club try to achieve?
A: We want to support the new crop of ministers. We try to help them pay for their education by raising money from weekly Saturday morning breakfasts. I started this club in 1964, when it was only a men’s club, but now it also includes women. I also teach a Bible class in a Methodist Church about married life.
Q: You have also donated a lot of your time to Habitat for Humanity, what did your work for them consist of?
A: I was 85 when I first heard about Habitat for Humanity, and I immediately wanted to get involved. I didn’t think it was a good idea for me to climb ladders. When I talked to the spokesperson for the organization, she asked if I could serve lunch to the volunteers who are working on constructions. I was more than happy to help, so I cook lunches in my kitchen and take them down to the volunteers to eat.
Q: You’ve achieved so much in your life, what are you the most proud of?
A: I would have to say my twin daughters who I had with my late wife, Amy. We were married in 1937 and were together for 47 years and one month before she passed. Both my daughters have Stanford educations and received their doctorates. They are both writing and publishing. They are both teachers, one at the University of Houston, and the other at the University of Maryland. I’m also proud of my grandchildren, and three great- grandchildren.
Q: Did you ever think you would live to be 100? How does it feel?
A: I never thought I would be this old. You know, I always had a positive attitude and was careful with my habits. Never was a drinker or a smoker. I’m not quite the jogger, but I lift weights every morning. I think a positive attitude and clean living are key aspects. One must never maintain a negative approach to anything. Being positive, I guess it pumps good stuff into your blood veins.