Fire victim identified as homeless veteran
Fire victim identified as homeless veteran
COEUR d’ALENE — The man who died Thursday in a fire in a wooded area off Interstate 90 on Potlatch Hill was Robert Wayne Parkinson, 56.
Coeur d’Alene Police detectives and the Kootenai County Coroner’s Office released Parkinson’s identity Monday following an autopsy.
Parkinson, a veteran, was homeless in the Coeur d’Alene area for several years.
“Every year, for as long as I can remember, Robert Parkinson put in a very simple request to Press Christmas for All, this newspaper's holiday charity program,” said Coeur d'Alene Press City Editor Maureen Dolan. “I remembered his name immediately.”
The Press published Parkinson’s Christmas for All request anonymously in 2011, exactly as he wrote it: “Homeless veteran. Could use help to stay warm with propane canisters and candles."
Fire investigators discovered several ignition sources in Parkinson’s sleeping area at the scene of the fire. Investigators recovered candles, small propane cylinders, matches, and a lantern that contributed to the scope of the fire.
Investigators reported Parkinson’s death appears to be accidental due to fire, although the autopsy results are preliminary.
“No foul play is suspected,” said a press release. “The police department and fire department wish to extend our sympathy to the family of Robert Parkinson.”
Matt Hutchinson, director of social services at St. Vincent de Paul North Idaho, said Parkinson’s death is a shame.
“That really sucks. He was a really neat man,” Hutchinson said. “He was a really funny and engaging man.”
Hutchinson said he has known Parkinson for more than 10 years.
“He obviously had his own personal issues,” he said. “He was a loner but very resourceful.”
Hutchinson said Parkinson checked into St Vincent’s homeless veterans program in 2004 and was very successful.
“He graduated into a home in 2005 or 2006,” Hutchinson said. “And he stayed in that house for quite a while, but I don’t know when he lost his place... I am really sorry to hear that he was the one who died,” he added.