It is with great sadness that we share the passing of acclaimed artist Robert K. Roark at age 81 on Tuesday, May 12. 2026.
Bob was born in Laurel, MS in 1944 and had a distinguished career as an artist, mentor, teacher and co-owner of Winstanley Roark Fine Arts. He was a Sergeant SP5 in the Army and received his honorable discharge in 1965. After the service he received his formal training at the Arts Students League in New York and also at the National Academy of Design, and the Cape Cod School of Art under such noted artists as William Draper, Daniel Green, and Henry Hensche. He was the recipient of a Ford Foundation Scholarship and the Kenosha Memorial Scholarship and won numerous awards for both his pastels and oil paintings. He has exhibited in numerous noted art galleries, museums and private and corporate collections worldwide. His art work continues to show at Tree’s Place, Orleans, MA.
Bob was a kind and loving person, husband and father. Those that knew him well enjoyed his wry wit, broad and diverse taste in music and love of books. The memory of Bob will be cherished by his wife, Anita Winstanley Roark and son Devon Roark and wife Yasmin Roark. There will be a private, family only life celebration.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s memory may be made to the Friends of the Art Students League at artstudentsleague.org/support, The Animal Rescue League of Boston at rlboston.org/adopt/adopt-a-pet/, Sandy Paws Rescue Inc. at sandypawsmv.com/donate1.html, or the AACP Association to Preserve Cape Cod at apcc.org/get-involved/donate/.
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