Robson Abbott

Oct 23, 1975 -

Nov 7, 2023

Robson Powell Abbott, 48, died on Nov. 7, 2023, after fighting cancer ferociously for almost three years, until the disease could not be stopped.

Robson was born on Oct. 23, 1975, in Anchorage, Alaska. An entry-level job at Denny's when he was 16 led to a lifelong career managing restaurants. After working at Denali Park Wilderness Lodge 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, Iowa; and finally Glacier Brewhouse and Orso in Anchorage.

It was at Orso, an uptown Italian-Alaskan restaurant he helped design and develop, where he found 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 that Orso would give guests an exceptional dining experience.

Beyond Orso, he had a fully engaged life. He really loved Ernest Hemingway and the Dave Matthews 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 also played a mean hand of cards, winning a stake in the World Series of Poker in 2023. Even though he cut a zigzag path back to Alaska, Robson always thought he belonged there.

He leaves behind his fiancee, Anjuli Mallipudi; her two boys, Ruben and Soren of Anchorage; mother, Jeanne Abbott and stepfather, Alan Bunch of Columbia; half-sister, Ambre Abbott of Bloomfield Hills, Mich.; and many aunts, uncles and cousins around the country.

Orso is closing Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023, to set up what is hoped to be a boisterous celebration, with all of the food, wine and companionship Robson inspired. To honor his life, consider giving an outrageous tip to the next restaurant server who makes your day.