Richard T. Robbins

Richard Thomas Robbins, 56 of Iron River, MI, passed away Friday, January 3, 2014, at his home. He was born February 18, 1957 in Ann Arbor, MI, the son of David Daniel and Barbara (Huntwork) Robbins. He attended grade school at Pattengill Elementary in Ann Arbor and then moved to Grass Lake where he graduated from Chelsea High School. Richard was a US Navy Veteran, and served as an Electronics Technician aboard the USS Caloosahatchee (AO-98). He graduated with an Associate of Arts from Bay de Noc Community College in 1988. He continued his education towards his Bachelor of Science in Political Science while he lived in Escanaba, MI. He also trained as an Emergency Medical Technician through Jackson Community College’s training program. He was an avid reader, lifelong student, enjoyed traveling, and faithfully sported the colors of maize and blue wherever he went. He served as the tee ball coach in 1992 for the Blue Jays of Pensacola, FL. Richard continued studying well into his forties, gaining a license in massage therapy from Bay College in Escanaba. Richard’s passion for knowledge and understanding was evident in his collection of literature and in daily conversation. He was preceded in death by his father, David Daniel Robbins, sister, Gayle Robbins, grandparents, Ray and Ethel Huntwork, Percival and Florence Robbins, cousins Brian and Jeff Krebs. Richard is survived by his mother, Barbara Robbins of Iron River; brothers, Mike Robbins and his children Jamie and Mikey Travis and Lynden and Sam Robbins, and Daniel (Rebecca) Robbins and their children, Robert and Mackenzie; brother-in-law, Steve Sweet (Gayle’s husband); nephew Owen Swinford (Gayle’s son); foster daughter, Shannon Staelens; and granddaughter Aeon Skylar, who called him Papa; and several aunts, uncles, and loving friends. A memorial service for Richard and his family and friends will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Iron County at 1 p.m. on the 11th of January, 2014. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Richard T. Robbins, please visit our flower store.