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Robert T. Robison
Born: 2/25/1924
Died: 1/7/2017
Age: 92
Community: Grand Blanc, MI
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Robison, Robert Thomas “Robbie”, 92, passed gently into the Kingdom of Heaven in the early hours of January 7th, 2017. A Memorial Service will be held Friday, January 13th at 11:00 AM at Brown Funeral Home 1480 E. Hill Rd., Grand Blanc, Michigan. The family will receive friends after 10:00 AM. Family interment will take place in Clinton Cemetery in the spring. He leaves to cherish his memory, a loving wife of 69 years, Helen Robison of Grand Blanc, and sons; David (Peggy) of Northville and Mark of Virginia Beach. He is also survived by his grandchildren; Corey (Susan) Robison of Dallas, TX, Ryan (Susie) Robison of Flower Mound, TX, Amanda (Rob) Haley, Rochester Hills, and 8 great-grandchildren; sister Judy Robison of Clinton and brother Dean Robison of Spankler, WA.; and special family friend JoAnn Jacob of Flushing. Robert was preceded in death by his parents Samuel & Ruth; son Bradley and brothers Jack and Edward.
Let me tell you the story of this remarkable man as he completed the final chapter of a life well lived. He was a member of the rapidly disappearing greatest generation.
Born to humble circumstances, as were many of his contemporaries in Clinton, Michigan on Feb. 25, 1924, he grew to believe this small town on the “Old Sauk Trail” to be the center of the universe.
A wonderful athlete, if reluctant student, he would captain Clintons’ football, basketball, and baseball teams while playing trombone with Clintons’ band at half-time (in full uniform).
He had a big heart, loved to dance, carried a beautiful tenor, and had serious piano skills, with a zest for life and adventure.
World War II provided more adventure than anyone needed. Robert was a much decorated combat veteran of the 15th and 8th Army Air Corp with 38 B-17 Flying Fortress missions in the 1943-44 European Theatre. Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, with multiple Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Purple Heart for wounds suffered in August 1944- an Authentic American Hero.
No longer a reluctant student following service, he attended Albion College where he met the love of his life, Helen (nee Jones) Robison, a Grand Ledge farm girl (and terrific dancer) who shared a rich life with Robbie. Both Bob and Helen found Albion to be a very special place. Friends for life were made. A good education in math and physics for Bob and education for Helen led to their posting as teachers in Linden, Michigan. Bob taught Algebra, drove the school bus, pursued a UofM graduate degree, and served as the assistant football coach, concurrently, while Helen taught and started their family.
A move to booming Flint, Michigan to become Flint Schools’ Purchasing Agent in 1955 was providential. Flint was a model city with strong growth, great promise and was nationally recognized as one of the most progressive and innovative school systems in the country featuring the support of the Mott Foundation and Frank Manley’s Community School Concept. Bob fully participated, retiring as the system’s Chief Financial Officer and Business Director in 1984. He then became Executive Director of the Flint College and Cultural Center and was an accomplished fund raiser for that good organization for many years.
A 50 year member of First Presbyterian Church, a proud Rotarian, life member of the Flint Golf Club, City Club, University Club, 100 Club, Ambassador Club, Delta Sigma Phi, an Albion Stockwell Scholar, and 14 times a best man in friends’ weddings. Bob never knew a stranger and led a full and rich life. While time took much of his memory, he still approached each day with an abiding gratitude, sweetness, and good humor. He recently remarked before passing, “it’s been a great life. I wouldn’t mind doing it again.” We only wish he could.
Special thanks to the very special angels of McCandlish Manor and Medical Team Hospice for their terrific and loving care of this wonderful man. Memorials suggested to the First Presbyterian Church of Flint 746 S. Saginaw St., Flint, MI 48502 or the charity of your choice.
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| Visitation |
| Date: |
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1/13/2017 |
| Time: |
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10:00 AM |
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| Funeral Service |
| Date: |
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1/13/2017 |
| Time: |
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11:00 AM |
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| Location: |
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Brown Funeral Home
1480 E. Hill Road
Grand Blanc, MI 48439Get a Map to this location...
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| Official: |
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Rev. Paul Ytterock |
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