Staff Sergeant Robert M. Parkhill was born April 17, 1976 in Williams Lake, BC Canada, Native of the Chilcotin tribe. At a young age, he was adopted to James Parkhill and Irene Heppler and grew up in Spokane, WA. In 1994, he graduated from Cheney High School; it was at that time he wanted to become a Marine.
On October 25, 1994, he enlisted into the Marine Corps. Upon recruit training in San Diego, SSgt Parkhill attended Bulk Fuel Specialist Course in Virginia. He was assigned to MWSS271, Cherry Point, NC; he held the billet of Line Safety NCO; throughout the next several years he worked his way through the USMC ranks. In February 2003 he was deployed to Iraq. In December of 2004, he received orders to the 8th Engineer Support Battalion, Camp Lejeune, NC as a Platoon Sergeant, he held the billets as Platoon Commander, Company Gunnery Sergeant, Watch officer and Fuel Farm SNCOIC. In September of 2005 he was sent to Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), February of 2007 sent to OIF IV and in April of 2009 he was sent to Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). Upon his return from Afghanistan he received orders to the 9th Engineer Support Battalion, Camp Lejeune, NC where he retired after 20 years of dedicated service. He received numerous personal awards during his career including the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal and Combat Action Ribbon.
Staff Sergeant Rob “Hoss” Parkhill, died of complications related to PTSD on January 25, 2015 in Chewelah, Washington. He is survived by wife Valerie, children Chelsey and Robert Parkhill, stepsons Chris, Patrick, Tyler and Kyle; mother Irene Heppler and sister, Onna Andrews. He was proceeded in death by father James Parkhill and younger brother Abraham Parkhill.
Rob enjoyed mixed martial arts, outdoor activities including camping, hunting and fishing. His hobbies included watching his favorite NFL team Seattle Seahawks and favorite TV shows: Family Guy, Ax Men and Life Below Zero, as well as relaxing and spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed driving his white Nissan Titan 4×4 where he loved to rev the engine. He adored the Chewelah Peak located in Colville National Forest where he shot his first deer at a young age. He loved being a dad to his children, always willing to teach them new things. He was known to his fellow Marines as “Hoss” and was a mentor to his fellow Marine brothers and sisters. He is remembered for his sense of humor, always telling jokes, and he had a unique laugh and beautiful smile.
Grew up in Spokane, WA; stationed and Camp Lejeune, NC and Camp Hansen Okinawa, Japan
Final Rest: Marshall Cemetery, Cheney, Washington
#22toomany#OurHeroes are #NeverForgotten
