Robert Lee Parks, 32

“It is the north wind that lashes men into Vikings; it is the soft luscious south wind which lulls them to lotus dreams.” — Ouida

Robert Lee Parks, 32, passed away Dec. 11, 2016, in South Lake Tahoe, Calif. He was born Jan. 9, 1984, in Coeur d’Alene, to Robert “Bob” and Marianne Parks. He was preceded in death by his father, Bob Parks in 2010.

He is survived by his mother, Marianne Parks; sister and brother-in-law, Erin Parks and Brice Vineyard; sister and brother-in-law Katie and Pete Martinson; nephews Tyler and Ethan; niece and nephew Mattie and Jake Martinson; grandmother Ida Parks; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and great friends.

Robert graduated from Lake City High School in 2002, where he played and excelled in football. In his young life, he grew to love hunting with his dad, riding motorcycles, BMX, mountain biking, fishing and backpacking adventures with his family.

Throughout his life, Robert learned and loved to build, like his dad. He spent most of his working years in construction and also made great friends working at Capone’s and Moontime in Coeur d’Alene. He took great pride in his family, spending countless hours with his nephews and niece — playing, laughing, teaching and loving. He also loved to run and downhill mountain bike. He was happiest with the wind in his face; trees and trails in his view.

Robert was born with adventure in his soul. In May 2016, he decided he was ready for a new adventure and left Coeur d’Alene, to hike the Pacific Crest Trail. He stopped along the way, in South Lake Tahoe, Calif., and fell in love with its beauty and endless trails.

We will say goodbye for now to our “Sparky” our “Ween” our “Robbie.” He will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him. We will never forget his beautiful bearded smile, contagious laugh and true love for life. He was the kind of man that anyone would be proud to call son, brother, uncle, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend.

A celebration of Robert’s life will be held at noon Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017, at Capone’s, 751 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene.