Richard Stearns Robinson

In Loving Memory of Richard Stearns Robinson
June 4, 1951 – April 10, 2025

Richard Stearns Robinson of Sebring, Florida, Meridian, Idaho, and Denver, Colorado completed his final great adventure on April 10, 2025. He was 73 years old but, as Rich would say, “Shhh, don’t tell anyone.”

He is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Priscilla Faith Robinson, and his three daughters: Rebecca Joy Watson (Brent), Hollie Elizabeth Robinson (Jill), and Kelly Lynae Robinson, each of whom inherited at least a few of his quirks, his sense of humor, and inability to resist another slice of cheesecake. He also leaves behind three grandsons – Henry William Watson, Jack Tyler Watson, and Arlo Valentine Ness – who will grow up hearing “Papa Stories” that are sure to become family lore: some true, some slightly embellished, all unforgettable.

Rich was preceded in death by his parents, William and Jeanne Robinson, and his brother, Mort Robinson. He is survived by his brother Derrick Robinson.

Rich loved sailing, whether on Lake Superior or Payette Lake in Idaho. He loved skiing, especially with his daughter Kelly at Bogus Basin in Idaho. Rich also loved relaxing with his daughter Hollie after throwing hay all afternoon for the horses. He also loved the Word of God, and, before dementia stole his ability, he thrived on teaching Sunday School at Meridian First Baptist Church.

Some of his favorite passages to study were Hebrews 11, Psalm 91, and John 14: 1-4, which is:
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”

Rich was the kind of dad who made everything an adventure. Family vacations weren’t just trips, they were epic journeys full of scenic detours, endless playlists, and moments that made you wonder if Dad had read the weather report. (He had, he just disagreed with it.) One such legendary camping mishap involved three perfectly placed tarps hung to shelter our campsite, only to be outwitted by a freak snowstorm in June. He laughed. We laughed. The tarps did not recover.

It's impossible to forget Rich’s love for animals. Growing up we had many cats and dogs. He loved laying down for a nap with our cat Henrietta or going for a walk around the block with Sadie and Ferguson. His love for his girl’s pets was well known – Kelly’s dog Fanny, Hollie’s dogs Omar, Winter and horse Gigi, and Becca’s dogs Levi and Hazel – all received cuddles and treats from Papa.

Rich had a deep love of the outdoors. He thrived on skiing fast, hiking long, and camping often. Any excuse to load up the truck with his dog Ferguson and breathe in pine-scented air was one he gladly took. He and Cilla were especially fond of slipping away to McCall, Idaho for weeklong adventures, where they would recharge their spirits, sip coffee by Payette Lake, and try their best not to get too competitive over Settlers of Catan.

Dad was known for his generosity. Many times, he loaned the cabin in McCall to friends so they could have a retreat. Other times he gave of his time, reading stories to children – especially the Elephant’s Child by Rudyard Kipling.

Rich was a man of many sayings, and if you spent any time around him, chances are you heard at least one of these:
•    “Think of the stories you can tell!” (Whenever things didn’t go according to plan.)
•    “Breathe.”
•    “Beats working for a living.”
•    “It doesn’t get any better than this.” (His reminder to live in the moment.)

And then there was the garage. Ah yes, the garage. Rich found an almost sacred joy in reorganizing it. Saturdays could disappear in a blur of stacks of labeled bins, color-coded bungee cords and zip ties, and the triumphant hum of “not bad for government work”.
He taught us to laugh often, love big, and not take life too seriously—except for maybe when organizing the game pieces “correctly,” or when praying for his loved ones. He will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and eternally quoted.

We miss him more than words can express. But we’ll keep telling his stories, quoting his catchphrases, and reorganizing garages in his honor.

“No, the journey doesn't end here. Death is just another path, one that we all must take. The grey rain-curtain of this world rolls back, and all turns to silver glass, and then you see it. White shores, and beyond, a far green country under a swift sunrise.” – JRR Tolkein

We love you, dear. We love you, Papa.

Boom shakalaka.

Arrangements entrusted to:
Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home
4001 Sebring Parkway
Sebring, FL 33870