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John Wendell Robinson
06/16/1938 — 12/19/2007
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Grand Prairie, TX
John Wendell Robinson
John Wendell Robinson
John Wendell Robinson Johnny was born June 16 1938 in Grand Prairie, TX and died peacefully December 19, 2007 at his home in Richland, WA surrounded by his family. He married Bessie Colleen Kraus on June 20, 1958 in Richland and was later sealed in the LDS Temple in Los Angeles on May 6, 1961. Johnny and Colleen would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in June of 2008.
Johnny was preceded in death by his infant daughter Rebekah. He is survived by his wife of 49½ years, Colleen, and his children Pam and Boyd Homer of Kennewick, Wayne and Marian Robinson, Layton, UT, Shannon and Shane Ouderkirk, Richland, Teresa and Chris Slocombe, Richland, Robbie and Greg Poe, W. Richland, Britt and Melanie Robinson, Richland, Christina and Matt Richardson, W. Richland, Adele Nelson, W. Richland, Aaron and Megan Robinson, Bellingham, Justin Robinson, Spokane, 36 grandchildren, 1 great granddaughter, his sister JoAnn and Dick Nuckolls, Eufaula, AL, and his brother Randy and Kay Robinson of Houston, TX.
Johnny retired as Lead Groundsman from the City of Richland in 2000 after 23 years service. He always had a passion for cars and upon retiring he became a member of the Ye Oldie Car Club. He created many friendships and enjoyed the car cruises and shows.
Johnny was also a retired U.S. Navy Seabee. He was very committed to his country having served twice during the Vietnam War and being deployed to other countries during his 23 year career. A firm patriot, he would never allow a flag to pass without his hand over his heart and a tear in his eye.
On an annual basis, Johnny would follow his love of family and drive across the country to visit and strengthen his bond with other extended family members. He developed a special relationship with the Lackey family in Texas, with whom he was also a family member. Equally important to him was the annual family campout on the Oregon coast. He had a great love for the ocean and this special time with his family.
Johnny was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Columbia Ward in Richland and held many callings through out his life.
He was well loved and supported by many friends and doctors.
Funeral services will be held at the Richland LDS Stake Center, 1720 Thayer Dr., Saturday, December 22, at 1:00 p.m. Viewing will be at Einan’s Funeral Home on Friday, December, 21, 5:00-8:00 p.m. and at the church from 12:00–1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Boy Scouts of America, Blue Mountain Council.
Johnny was to be my new friend in my life, and he was! I was allowed to hear his wonderful stories and the stories of him as told by his large family, who I can say love him more then anything. I don’t morn his passing but celebrate his life, for his life was surrounded by loving family and friends. All I can say is….”peaceful trip to see our family that has passed before you. If there was any man who was blessed by a loving life or people and hobbies, he was and his legacy will live on through his grandchildren and his ten wonderful kids…….Peace and love Johnny……..I will miss you
It is with bittersweet and the fondest of memories that I send this message.
I love my dad with all my heart. I know that I have been truly blessed to have my dad in my life. Things I probably never would have learned the “right” way except for my dad, how to swim and dive, how to drive in the snow and spin brodies, what to look for when test driving a car, what it means to be the only adult to play in the fire at the coast and holler at the others not to play in the fire, and sundry other things.
Being part of a huge, wonderful, diverse family is a tremendous blessing and I know that Dad enjoyed every minute of it, even when he was tossing his imaginary hand grenades at things that bothered him.
I will truly miss my Dad. We will continue to laugh at tax season, Christmas time, 4th of July higher, higher, and Cool Desert nights. I’ll miss the SOB car repairs and the fire engulfing BBQ that used to drive my Dad nuts.
And as for the mystery of the last piece of fudge, DAD ATE IT!
Big hugs and kisses to all who have loved and put up with Dad.
Missing you already, Dad.
I love you,
Pam
Dad,
I am so proud to call you my “daddy”. How fortunate all of us were to have you in our lives. I am truly blessed and it was an honor to help care for you during your last weeks here on the earth! I know that you are no longer hurting and that you can breath with ease. You will be sorely missed, but we will have alot of great stories to tell for years to come. The annual trip to the coast won’t be the same without you there, but I know that you will be watching over us especially to make sure that we have the fire buring just right. I love you so much! You touched so many lives, even those people that had the honor to help out with your needs during your hospital stay. So many new friendships have been made during this time all due to the radiance that shone from within you!
I LOVE YOU DADDY!!!!
Shannon
Just wanted to say from one old SEABEE to another and one Vietnam Vet to another Welcome home Brother. You will truly be missed by us all
I am sorry to hear that John passed away. He was a friend of mine, we worked together from the time he started until John retired.
We spent lots of time together, just he and I, and had many conversations about cars, old songs, and military duty. During the late 70’s we went on strike at the city. We were right in what we were after but the timing was off… John was my best man on the picket duty. I was shop steward and depended on the guys for assistance. John always came through.
He was on my crew a lot of the time and was a good hand. Never balked at a task.
I will miss him.
Fred Moxley
Dad,
It has been five weeks now since you have been gone and so much has happened. I am still waiting for the emptiness that I feel in my heart over losing you to subside a little, but it hasn’t happened. Every time I make dinner I think that I need to give you a call and invite you over because we all know that Mom would be on a “bus trip”, and I know that you enjoy my cooking. We just had a little scare with Mom this last weekend, it involved a bus accident and all I could think of was becoming orphaned in a months time. Luckily nothing happened to Mom. I found one of the handkerchiefs that you always had on you in the Metro and I carry it around with me in my pocket at work. It gives me a feeling of calm and I can deal with things easier just knowing that I am able to carry it around with me wherever I go. I love you Dad and I miss you terribly!
Love,
Shannon
Love you Dad, miss you terribly!
Dad,
I couldn’t help but to think of you often this week so you came up quite frequently in my conversations. Can you believe it has been thirteen years since Shane and I have been married. Thank you for being so understanding and accepting of our marriage and for not passing judgement. It did not go unnoticed by either of us and we love you for that.
Dad,
We got to see your flag fly for the first time and it flew so proud, just like you. It was a beautiful warm day with just enough breeze so everybody that went out could see the pride that those flags represented by allowing them to unfurl just like they were swelling with pride! I finally felt some kind of peace this time when I went out there, though the emptiness is still abundant.
I love you,
Shannon
Dad,
Toady is quite the day, not only is it the cruise in cool desert nights, but it is your and Mom’s 50th. This week has been so emotional starting with the first fathers day without you, followed by the next day being your birthday. Now we have today to get through. Mom entered your car in cool desert nights today and has it in top working condition. I know that all of us kids will love being able to drive it around at least once in your memory and we will be so proud to do it too! I know we will feel your presence around us today and that there will be a ton of people asking where you are, but I also know that we will be there together as a family and we will get through it together! I love you and miss you more than you or anybody else knows!
Shannon
It is that time again, the annual trip to the Oregon Coast. It is kind of hard to get excited about it knowing that it is the first time without you being there. Lucky for us we started going to a new campsite last year so the memories won’t be as difficult, but it will still be a challenge! Mom just got back from her trip with her brothers and sisters, she looked wiped out! I guess that means that she had a great time. We will be there to help her get everything loaded up so you don’t have to worry about that! I think that Christina and her family are also riding down with her so she won’t have to do that alone either and Matt will be able to back up the trailer for her! I know that you will be watching out for us so I have no worries! Love you!!!!
Shannon
Thinking about you, loving you, missing you!
Shannon
Can’t stop thinking about what was happening a year ago right now. I have seen some of the doctors that you were in the care of and they are still the wonderful people that they were then. The compassion and care that they shared with you and our entire family still amazes me. I never realized just what people in the industry that I work in go through. They truly feel the sorrow and the pain that each and every family member feels when they lose a loved one. I guess that makes me lucky to work around people that truly have a christ like compassion. I love you and miss you like nobody knows!
One year, wow. I can’t believe it has already been one year. We all miss you though we all deal with things our own way. Love you Dad!
Been on my mind alot lately. Miss and love you lots!
I found some letters that you wrote to me when I was quite a bit younger this last week. I had wanted these put in the shadow box that Mom made for me but couldn’t find them, but Mom had me take the box and the letters down to the place that made it so that they could re-do it for me. What I love most about these letters is that they are “real”. They aren’t sugar coated, they are full of your true feelings about me and the relationship that we shared. Knowing that I wasn’t the easiest kid to raise I truly appreciate these now more than ever! Love you Dad.
Two years, I know that you already know that but did you know that it still seems like yesterday? The hole in my heart is just getting bigger by the day. Hopefully the grandchild that I have on the way will help fill that void. Love you.
Dad-I love you SO very much and know that you watch over each and every one of us. A couple of weeks ago I came to see you and Shannon was just getting ready to leave from you, and I guess right before that Casey had been there–we ALL needed you that day. Now it is time for you guys to watch over Aunt Doris–I know she told me she was upset that they woke her up, but maybe there is still something she needs to finish here. I love you and miss you very much!! It is also time for me to go and get your car all pretty!!!! Love Adele
Just wanted to let you know that am thinking about you today, being your birthday and all. Wishing you were around to see Stacie become a Mother, and me a Grandmother, but I know that you are watching us all from a place where we cannot see you yet feel your presence around us. I love you and miss you.
Been on my mind all day, hard not to when I am at work and people keep asking me the date. Miss and love you!!
Dad-I miss you everyday and still struggle with the fact that you are not still here with us physically, but I know for sure you are with each and every one of us spiritually. I may not attend church but all of us feel you around us all the time. You would be so proud of the people we have become and no matter what goes on our Family Bond is our greatest strength! I am so proud and happy to be a “Robinson”. Your legend lives on with so many of your grandkids-they always say they had the best grandpa!!I love you so very much and wish I could have just one more time to be embraced in your arms. I love you more than words could ever say.
I wish my condolences to Johns family and friends.
John was a great coworker while working for the city of Richland and a good friend.
We always had conversations about old cars, his love and mine.We will miss him.
So it is coming up on the anniversary of your passing and it never gets any easier. I know that you wouldn’t want us to be sad, but there is just such a hole that just could never be filled after you left. With it being so close to the holidays it just seems to be even that more difficult. Watch over Mom while she travels down to Utah this week. I miss you more than words could ever express and love you so much!!
“daddy”
I still can’t even say the word without crying and hurting inside. Everyone keeps saying it will get easier, but it is so hard! I LOVE YOU DAD! These last couple weeks of your life were the most wonderful ones and hardest at the same time for me-to watch such a strong and loving man have such a hard time with every breath of life, it hurt so bad to watch-but you just remember you have a beautiful, caring, loving wife, children who never wanted to leave your sideunless you made them, and so many wonderful people who loved you so dearly. You hold such a special spot in my heart and I am so proud you are my daddy!! I love you so much-I wanted so badly to crawl up on your bed with you and hold you tight and tell you it was going to be ok, but the best I will have to settle with is being able to hold your hand for those last precious hours. You will never know the impact you have made on everyone here-or maybe you already do-whatever you do, PLEASE-keep tight of our family! I love you!!!
Dad-
It has been a few days, and I still cannot fully comprehend losing you. I can’t even begin to fully express the gratitude I have for everything you have taught me, whether it was directly or indirectly. You have a great deal to be proud of in life, and although I feel a sadness in my heart at losing you, I can’t help but think of how overjoyed you are by seeing some old family and friends.
I love you dad-
Aaron
To the Robinson Family,
My heart is with you on the passing of your Husband, father and grandfather. I have so many fond memories of being welcomed into the Robinson “abode” in my teens. I feel truly blessed to have known John and will always remember him with laughter and smiles and a true sense of what “family” really means.
I wish for you peace and comfort in knowing you will be together again. My love goes with you all…
Today and Always
Johnny was to be my new friend in my life, and he was! I was allowed to hear his wonderful stories and the stories of him as told by his large family, who I can say love him more then anything. I don’t morn his passing but celebrate his life, for his life was surrounded by loving family and friends. All I can say is….”peaceful trip to see our family that has passed before you. If there was any man who was blessed by a loving life or people and hobbies, he was and his legacy will live on through his grandchildren and his ten wonderful kids…….Peace and love Johnny……..I will miss you
It is with bittersweet and the fondest of memories that I send this message.
I love my dad with all my heart. I know that I have been truly blessed to have my dad in my life. Things I probably never would have learned the “right” way except for my dad, how to swim and dive, how to drive in the snow and spin brodies, what to look for when test driving a car, what it means to be the only adult to play in the fire at the coast and holler at the others not to play in the fire, and sundry other things.
Being part of a huge, wonderful, diverse family is a tremendous blessing and I know that Dad enjoyed every minute of it, even when he was tossing his imaginary hand grenades at things that bothered him.
I will truly miss my Dad. We will continue to laugh at tax season, Christmas time, 4th of July higher, higher, and Cool Desert nights. I’ll miss the SOB car repairs and the fire engulfing BBQ that used to drive my Dad nuts.
And as for the mystery of the last piece of fudge, DAD ATE IT!
Big hugs and kisses to all who have loved and put up with Dad.
Missing you already, Dad.
I love you,
Pam
Dad,
I am so proud to call you my “daddy”. How fortunate all of us were to have you in our lives. I am truly blessed and it was an honor to help care for you during your last weeks here on the earth! I know that you are no longer hurting and that you can breath with ease. You will be sorely missed, but we will have alot of great stories to tell for years to come. The annual trip to the coast won’t be the same without you there, but I know that you will be watching over us especially to make sure that we have the fire buring just right. I love you so much! You touched so many lives, even those people that had the honor to help out with your needs during your hospital stay. So many new friendships have been made during this time all due to the radiance that shone from within you!
I LOVE YOU DADDY!!!!
Shannon
Just wanted to say from one old SEABEE to another and one Vietnam Vet to another Welcome home Brother. You will truly be missed by us all
I am sorry to hear that John passed away. He was a friend of mine, we worked together from the time he started until John retired.
We spent lots of time together, just he and I, and had many conversations about cars, old songs, and military duty. During the late 70’s we went on strike at the city. We were right in what we were after but the timing was off… John was my best man on the picket duty. I was shop steward and depended on the guys for assistance. John always came through.
He was on my crew a lot of the time and was a good hand. Never balked at a task.
I will miss him.
Fred Moxley
Dad,
It has been five weeks now since you have been gone and so much has happened. I am still waiting for the emptiness that I feel in my heart over losing you to subside a little, but it hasn’t happened. Every time I make dinner I think that I need to give you a call and invite you over because we all know that Mom would be on a “bus trip”, and I know that you enjoy my cooking. We just had a little scare with Mom this last weekend, it involved a bus accident and all I could think of was becoming orphaned in a months time. Luckily nothing happened to Mom. I found one of the handkerchiefs that you always had on you in the Metro and I carry it around with me in my pocket at work. It gives me a feeling of calm and I can deal with things easier just knowing that I am able to carry it around with me wherever I go. I love you Dad and I miss you terribly!
Love,
Shannon
Love you Dad, miss you terribly!
Dad,
I couldn’t help but to think of you often this week so you came up quite frequently in my conversations. Can you believe it has been thirteen years since Shane and I have been married. Thank you for being so understanding and accepting of our marriage and for not passing judgement. It did not go unnoticed by either of us and we love you for that.
Dad,
We got to see your flag fly for the first time and it flew so proud, just like you. It was a beautiful warm day with just enough breeze so everybody that went out could see the pride that those flags represented by allowing them to unfurl just like they were swelling with pride! I finally felt some kind of peace this time when I went out there, though the emptiness is still abundant.
I love you,
Shannon
Dad,
Toady is quite the day, not only is it the cruise in cool desert nights, but it is your and Mom’s 50th. This week has been so emotional starting with the first fathers day without you, followed by the next day being your birthday. Now we have today to get through. Mom entered your car in cool desert nights today and has it in top working condition. I know that all of us kids will love being able to drive it around at least once in your memory and we will be so proud to do it too! I know we will feel your presence around us today and that there will be a ton of people asking where you are, but I also know that we will be there together as a family and we will get through it together! I love you and miss you more than you or anybody else knows!
Shannon
It is that time again, the annual trip to the Oregon Coast. It is kind of hard to get excited about it knowing that it is the first time without you being there. Lucky for us we started going to a new campsite last year so the memories won’t be as difficult, but it will still be a challenge! Mom just got back from her trip with her brothers and sisters, she looked wiped out! I guess that means that she had a great time. We will be there to help her get everything loaded up so you don’t have to worry about that! I think that Christina and her family are also riding down with her so she won’t have to do that alone either and Matt will be able to back up the trailer for her! I know that you will be watching out for us so I have no worries! Love you!!!!
Shannon
Thinking about you, loving you, missing you!
Shannon
Can’t stop thinking about what was happening a year ago right now. I have seen some of the doctors that you were in the care of and they are still the wonderful people that they were then. The compassion and care that they shared with you and our entire family still amazes me. I never realized just what people in the industry that I work in go through. They truly feel the sorrow and the pain that each and every family member feels when they lose a loved one. I guess that makes me lucky to work around people that truly have a christ like compassion. I love you and miss you like nobody knows!
One year, wow. I can’t believe it has already been one year. We all miss you though we all deal with things our own way. Love you Dad!
Been on my mind alot lately. Miss and love you lots!
I found some letters that you wrote to me when I was quite a bit younger this last week. I had wanted these put in the shadow box that Mom made for me but couldn’t find them, but Mom had me take the box and the letters down to the place that made it so that they could re-do it for me. What I love most about these letters is that they are “real”. They aren’t sugar coated, they are full of your true feelings about me and the relationship that we shared. Knowing that I wasn’t the easiest kid to raise I truly appreciate these now more than ever! Love you Dad.
Two years, I know that you already know that but did you know that it still seems like yesterday? The hole in my heart is just getting bigger by the day. Hopefully the grandchild that I have on the way will help fill that void. Love you.
Dad-I love you SO very much and know that you watch over each and every one of us. A couple of weeks ago I came to see you and Shannon was just getting ready to leave from you, and I guess right before that Casey had been there–we ALL needed you that day. Now it is time for you guys to watch over Aunt Doris–I know she told me she was upset that they woke her up, but maybe there is still something she needs to finish here. I love you and miss you very much!! It is also time for me to go and get your car all pretty!!!! Love Adele
Just wanted to let you know that am thinking about you today, being your birthday and all. Wishing you were around to see Stacie become a Mother, and me a Grandmother, but I know that you are watching us all from a place where we cannot see you yet feel your presence around us. I love you and miss you.
Been on my mind all day, hard not to when I am at work and people keep asking me the date. Miss and love you!!
Dad-I miss you everyday and still struggle with the fact that you are not still here with us physically, but I know for sure you are with each and every one of us spiritually. I may not attend church but all of us feel you around us all the time. You would be so proud of the people we have become and no matter what goes on our Family Bond is our greatest strength! I am so proud and happy to be a “Robinson”. Your legend lives on with so many of your grandkids-they always say they had the best grandpa!!I love you so very much and wish I could have just one more time to be embraced in your arms. I love you more than words could ever say.
I wish my condolences to Johns family and friends.
John was a great coworker while working for the city of Richland and a good friend.
We always had conversations about old cars, his love and mine.We will miss him.
So it is coming up on the anniversary of your passing and it never gets any easier. I know that you wouldn’t want us to be sad, but there is just such a hole that just could never be filled after you left. With it being so close to the holidays it just seems to be even that more difficult. Watch over Mom while she travels down to Utah this week. I miss you more than words could ever express and love you so much!!
“daddy”
I still can’t even say the word without crying and hurting inside. Everyone keeps saying it will get easier, but it is so hard! I LOVE YOU DAD! These last couple weeks of your life were the most wonderful ones and hardest at the same time for me-to watch such a strong and loving man have such a hard time with every breath of life, it hurt so bad to watch-but you just remember you have a beautiful, caring, loving wife, children who never wanted to leave your sideunless you made them, and so many wonderful people who loved you so dearly. You hold such a special spot in my heart and I am so proud you are my daddy!! I love you so much-I wanted so badly to crawl up on your bed with you and hold you tight and tell you it was going to be ok, but the best I will have to settle with is being able to hold your hand for those last precious hours. You will never know the impact you have made on everyone here-or maybe you already do-whatever you do, PLEASE-keep tight of our family! I love you!!!
Dad-
It has been a few days, and I still cannot fully comprehend losing you. I can’t even begin to fully express the gratitude I have for everything you have taught me, whether it was directly or indirectly. You have a great deal to be proud of in life, and although I feel a sadness in my heart at losing you, I can’t help but think of how overjoyed you are by seeing some old family and friends.
I love you dad-
Aaron
To the Robinson Family,
My heart is with you on the passing of your Husband, father and grandfather. I have so many fond memories of being welcomed into the Robinson “abode” in my teens. I feel truly blessed to have known John and will always remember him with laughter and smiles and a true sense of what “family” really means.
I wish for you peace and comfort in knowing you will be together again. My love goes with you all…
Today and Always
Guestbook for
John Wendell Robinson