Robin Eli Parke, 85, well known structural engineer, died on April 13, 2020. He received his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1958 from the University of North Dakota. Shortly after he accepted a position with North American Aviation in Los Angeles. Concurrently, he attended graduate school at the University of Southern California in Aeronautical Engineering, where he studied how to control vibrations in airplanes. In 1960 he moved to Phoenix, Arizona to accept a position with Reynolds Metals designing aluminum transmission towers.
In 1963 he founded Robin E. Parke Associates Consulting Structural Engineers, Incorporated. During his ownership and management, his firm completed over 5000 projects in 30 states and three foreign countries. The expansion and growth of his firm was due primarily to his design innovation in reducing transient vibrations in the production of silicon chips. Major clients were Intel, Motorola, and other manufactures of silicon chips. The firm was sold in 1994; Robin remained as Chief Executive Officer until 1996.
Robin was affiliated with many professional associations. He served as President of the Arizona State Board of Trustees Structural Engineers Association, Chairman of the Arizona Joint Council of Design Professionals, Associate Member of the Structural Engineers Association of California, Member of the National Society of Professional Engineers, Member of the American Institute of Steel Construction, Member of the American Concrete Institute, Member of the Post Tension Concrete Institute and Member of the Arizona State Board of Registration for Architects and Engineers. At ASU he was President of the Council for Design Excellence for the College of Architecture and Environmental Design. He also served on the Board of Directors for the ASU Foundation, and the ASU Research Park.
Robin is survived by his wife, Marilyn, four children, five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and nieces. He was preceded in death by two sisters. Robin will be laid to rest at Paradise Memorial Gardens in Scottsdale, Arizona. A Celebration of Life in remembrance of Robin will be held for family and friends at Paradise Valley Country Club when it is safe for groups to congregate. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution be made in Robin's memory to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 East Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014. (Source: Arizona Republic)