Richard C. Robbins

Richard C. Robbins

August 14, 1915 - January 31, 2013

Richard C. Robbins

August 14, 1915 - January 31, 2013

Obituary

Richard Charles Robbins passed away peacefully January 31, 2013, in the loving care of his family at the age of 97.

Born in West Lafayette, Indiana, on August 14, 1915, Richard graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree, after serving as Cadet Colonel of the Army ROTC. He later earned his Doctorate from UCLA. He served with distinction in the United States Army during WWII as a Major in the Field Artillery, 86th Infantry in Europe and Asia.

He resumed his career after the war in California, teaching, consulting and working in counseling and guidance administration at schools and universities in Los Angeles, Stockton, Riverside and San Francisco. He also served on various state and national educational committees.

Richard was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church, where he served as a Ruling Elder, leader of the sextons at Church of the Roses in Santa Rosa, California, and as the head librarian at Calvary Presbyterian Church in San Francisco. He was a member of the choir and active volunteer at the churches he attended.

He and his beloved wife, Irene Westfall Robbins, were married in 1936 and shared 71 happy loving years together, retiring to Santa Rosa in 1977, and later moving to Irvine in 2006. In Irvine he remained active at Irvine Presbyterian Church, continued his counseling career, served on various boards and committees, gave lectures and volunteered.

Richard was preceded in death by Irene in 2008, and is survived by his two children, son, Richard R. Robbins (Susan) of San Jose, and daughter, Jean R. Lamb (Larry) of Irvine. He is also survived by his six grandchildren: Barbara (Mark), Emily (Robb), Rick (Coynne), Ken (Shannon), Meg (Eric) and Nick (Stephanie); also by nine great-grandchildren: Alex, Hannah, Kate, Jack, Alex, Jess, Mischa, Megyn, and Luc. He is also survived by nieces, nephews and many dear friends.

Richard leaves behind a proud heritage, living a life of action, hard work, spiritual belief, service and love of family. Wherever we are, whatever we do, we will always have his example to follow.

Memorial services will be held at Irvine Presbyterian Church at 4445 Alton Parkway, Irvine 92604, on Saturday, February 16th at 2 p.m.

Donations to the Braille Institute Library Services are suggested in lieu of flowers.

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2 responses to Richard C. Robbins

  1. Bob Kennedy says:

    I’m so sorry Dr. Dick is no longer with us. He was a wonderful man who helped my mother and our family so much. My mom lived in his assisted living complex and had a very difficult time adjusting. Dr. Dick was so amiable and helpful and tried to assist her through this difficult time. He was simply amazing. Through his efforts she at least had a friend, and I think he was the only person she could recognize by name when she died. He was a saint, to us. Apparently, he got sick the same day Mom died (Jan. 28) and passed away soon after, so I never had the opportunity to tell him how much I appreciated his help. He was a “pro” who practiced to the end, and never got his years of golf after retirement, as he liked to joke. God bless you, Dr. Robbins, and thank you family for taking care of this good man.

    Bob Kennedy

  2. Rick says:

    Thinking of you tonight.

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