April 24, 1937- July 30, 2024

Robert Kerr Robinson, 87, passed away July 30, 2024, in Surprise, AZ. He was born April 24, 1937, to Thomas Robinson and Mary Miller in Fairview Park, OH. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Kathryn Robinson; children Mike (Charlene), Andy (Roxane), Mary Hoffman (Dennis), and Gloria Kruzner (Bill); and 11 grandchildren: Ella, Michael, Zach, Henry, Ryan, Katie, Dylan, Lucas, Maggie, Drew and Charles. He is predeceased by infant son Robert, and sister Gloria Grant. He graduated from University of Detroit, earning a degree in engineering.

Bob (and/or “Robby”) was an excellent woodworker and built many pieces around the family home as well as a Willitts Bros-style canoe in his home workshop with St. Monica’s Pastor James Gandrau (and the infinite grace and patience of wife, Kay). He was fascinated with flight since being a young boy in Ohio and took his dreams to the sky as a Boeing engineer for 30-plus years. He also built community and helped raise many young men in his role as Scoutmaster for St. Monica’s Troop 666 for seven years, a time in which both Mike and Andy achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He didn’t save his sense of adventure just for scouting, as the family co-owned and restored a Robert Perry 48-foot ferro-cement ketch “Scana” with other Boeing family friends, as well as a 70s-inspired interior retrofitted school bus, capturing many trips and tales worthy of blaring tune boxes, epic card games, massive engine failures, and great resulting slideshows in the living room. He was also fond of cars with plenty of horsepower and doted on his Corvette, Lincoln Continentals and ’69 Cougar Convertible that took turns in the family garage with more practical wood-paneled station wagons throughout the years. Kay and he built two beautiful homes on Mercer Island and worked hard to provide for their family and demonstrate the work ethic from their Midwestern roots. They enjoyed having friends over for cards and conversation. Dad was a proud Toastmaster participant, learning to engage Scouts and Troop parent volunteers with a frank, but approachable instruction style and wry sense of humor. He was game for political discussion, loved any delve into history, and woe to the telemarketer who interrupted precious family time at the dinner table. For their well-earned retirement years, Kay and Bob first moved to Sammamish for a couple years, before heading for the sun of Surprise, AZ in 2004. They enjoyed getting to know their community of neighbors, and up until his final days, Dad continued to build his workshop in their three-car garage. We love and miss you Dad, and will continue to take great care of Mom, as you would want it. There will be a small service planned for next summer. Tribute gifts may be shared with Boy Scouts of America.