In Memoriam John J. Robinson

This wonderful man, my surrogate father, died today. I cannot begin to tell you what a hole he will leave in my life. I've known him for fifty years and he was always a great support to me. I loved him and will miss him forever.

He and his wife Hazel had a great love story.  They'd been married for over 50 years. Except when he was in the hospital once, they'd never slept apart. They spoke to each other of their love often. The last thing she said to him was "I love you."

With John's  support, Hazel founded the Montford Park Players in Asheville, now the longest running Shakespeare in the Park series in the country.

John didn't talk much about his past, though he would tell a little if you seemed really interested. He was in the Merchant Marine during WW II and served along the Alaska coast. Later, he became senior account at Beacon Blanket in Swannanoa, from which he retired several years ago. He was 92 at death.

He was a master card-player. Years ago, the group of us who hung out at their house played Hearts (cutthroat), but more recently (i.e. the last 20 years) the house game was Crazy Rummy. Saturday nights found a floating group of us gathering to play for a few hours. Last Saturday (7/4), Joe Young and I were there and played a game with John -- and he won.

We're considering keeping the weekly ritual going in his honor.

I asked how he was going and he said "slow." His son Ken had just been home for two weeks, which he told me he'd really enjoyed. Much family business was discussed and settled, and I think he was ready to let go.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Bon voyage, beloved person.