Robson Abbott

Robson Powell Abbott, 48, died Nov. 7, 2023, after fighting cancer ferociously for almost three years. Robson was born Oct. 23, 1975, in Anchorage, Alaska. An entry-level job at Denny’s when hewas 16 led to a lifelong career managing restaurants. After working at Denali Park WildernessLodge for a summer, he scaled up to be part of the teams at Devil’s Thumb Ranch in Colorado;The Embassy Club in Des Moines; and finally Glacier Brewhouse and Orso in Anchorage.It was at Orso, an uptown Italian-Alaskan restaurant he helped design and develop, where hefound his perfect match. He selected signature Italian wines and built a menu around salmon,halibut and king crab specialties with an Italian spin. Every decision was driven by the hope thatOrso would give guests an exceptional dining experience. Beyond Orso, he had a fully engaged life. He really loved Ernest Hemingway and the DaveMatthews Band. He was equally committed to his side gig, shooting photographs of Alaska,especially wildlife, fishing villages and the national parks. He was an expert skier and a dedicated sea kayaker. He followed the Chiefs relentlessly. He alsoplayed a mean hand of cards, winning a stake in the World Series of Poker this year. Even thoughhe cut a zig-zag path back to Alaska, Robson always thought he belonged there. He leaves behind his fiancée, Anjuli Mallipudi, and her two boys, Ruben and Soren, ofAnchorage; his mother, Jeanne Abbott, and stepfather, Alan Bunch, of Columbia; half-sisterAmbre Abbott of Bloomfield Hills, Mich.; and many aunts, uncles and cousins around thecountry. Orso is closing Sunday to set up what is hoped to be a boisterous celebration, with all of thefood, wine and companionship Robson inspired. To honor his life, consider giving an outrageoustip to the next restaurant server who makes your day.