Robert L Parkinson Jr

Robert L. Parkinson was the chief operating officer at north suburban-based Abbott Laboratories before becoming chairman and CEO of Deerfield-based Baxter International for almost 12 years. Parkinson also was dean of the business school at Loyola University Chicago, where he had earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting, and served as chairman of the university’s board of trustees for six years. Parkinson, 68, died of complications from pancreatic cancer on Dec. 19 2019 at his home, said his wife of 43 years, Betty. A Northbrook resident since 1980, Parkinson had been diagnosed in early November, his wife said. Born in Davenport, Iowa, Parkinson grew up on a family farm in Taylor Ridge, Illinois, near Rock Island. He graduated from Alleman Catholic High School in Rock Island and then earned a bachelor’s degree from Loyola in 1973 and then an MBA. In addition to his wife, Parkinson is survived by two sons, Matthew and Robert L. III; two daughters, Erin Parkinson Stober and Rebecca; one sister, Connie; and three brothers, Tony, Brian and Mark; and seven grandchildren. Robert L. Parkinson, Jr. is Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President of Baxter, having served in that capacity since April 2004. Prior to joining Baxter, Mr. Parkinson was Dean of Loyola University Chicago's School of Business Administration and Graduate School of Business from 2002 to 2004. He retired from Abbott Laboratories in 2001 following a 25-year career, having served in a variety of domestic and international management and leadership positions, including as President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Parkinson also serves on the boards of directors of Chicago-based Northwestern Memorial Hospital and the Northwestern Memorial Foundation as well as Loyola University Chicago's Board of Trustees.