Robert G. Parkhurst

Robert Glen Parkhurst was born November 3, 1921 in Effingham, Illinois, the son of Ralph W. and Bernice S. Parkhurst. In the 1930’s the family moved to Charlotte, Michigan where Mr. Parkhurst graduated from high school and later earned a degree in electrical engineering from Michigan State University, class of 1943.

During WWII, Mr. Parkhurst was stationed in the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C. performing engineering work in electronic countermeasures.

In 1945, Mr. Parkhurst joined the General Electric Company, Transmitter Division where he designed medium and high-power international broadcast radio transmitters. He was a member of the American Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers and a member of the Institute of Radio Engineers.

In 1948, Mr. Parkhurst married Ethel Clariece Jourdain of Lansing, Michigan. Later he worked in international operations of General Electric having managerial assignments with General Electric de Venezuela and General Electric de Mexico.

In 1957, Mr. Parkhurst was named International Sales Manager for General Electric’s Commercial Electronics Equipment with headquarters in New York City. In 1961, he became Export Manager of General Electric Medical Systems (now GE Healthcare) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a position he held for over 20 years. During that time, General Electric Medical Systems was awarded the President’s “E” Award and “Star” Award for exporting excellence.

Mr. Parkhurst was past –president of the Milwaukee World Trade Association and served on the Wisconsin District Export Council over 15 years, being appointed to that post by U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Elliot Richardson.

Mr. Parkhurst was also an advisor on international business to Wisconsin Governors Lee Dreyfus and Tony Earl, serving on the Governors Advisory Council on International Trade during their administrations. He also lectured on international business at the University of Wisconsin, Lawrence University and Carroll College. For 25 years, the Parkhursts lived in Brookfield, Wisconsin.

Following his retirement from General Electric Company, the Parkhursts moved to On-Top-Of-The-World in Clearwater, Florida in 1986 where he was an active member of the Men’s 18-Hole Golf Association.

Mr. Parkhurst was also active for many years as a member of the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) Suncoast/Pinellas Chapter 115. He held a number of positions in SCORE including Vice-Chairman, Secretary and Controller. While a member of SCORE, Mr. Parkhurst authored a number of books on business planning. He was an active member of the Union Street United Methodist Church during the 19 yeas he lived at On-Top-Of-The-World.

In 2006, the Parkhursts became residents of the Regency Oaks retirement community of Clearwater. Mr. Parkhust enjoyed its many activities. He was active in “The Write Stuff” and “Great Decisions” organizations. In 2008, Mr. Parkhurst published his autobiography which was followed by a number of short stories and a genealogy of his family. His final publication was “Vignettes of Clariece”, a tribute to his wife of 63 years.

Upon moving to Regency Oaks, the Parkhursts transferred their church membership to Heritage United Methodist Church of Clearwater.

The Parkhursts were blessed with three children, six grandchildren, and three great grandsons:

• Mrs. Carol Ann Tullio of Northridge, California. Children: Peter, Paul, and Elizabeth.

• Mr. Robert James Parkhurst of Cedar Park, Texas. Children: Rachel, Joshua, Allison and Joshua’s sons Caleb, Abel, and Jeremiah.

• Mrs. Susan Jean Shoemaker of Roscommon, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to:

American Foundation for the Blind

2 Penn Plaza, Suite 202

New York, NY 10121

Suncoast Hospice House

164 West Lake Road

Palm Harbor, FL 34684

Arrangements under the direction of Moss Feaster Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Clearwater, FL.