Michael Harold Robinson

Michael was born in West Covina and moved with his family to Bakersfield when he was about 9 years old. His father, Don, was a milkman for Adohr Farms and his mother, Shirley, worked for Western Union. He liked to ride the route with his father as a kid, enjoying all the ice cream and slurpees he could along the way, earning him the nickname slurpee boy. He enjoyed slurpees even as an adult and liked taking his kids out to get them for a treat.

Michael attended Fairfax School and Foothill High School, where he was an avid runner in track and cross country.

Michael worked in the orange packing sheds as a teen and young adult until he took a temporary position at Sanford, Semchak & Speights, Inc. There he honed his skills as a refrigeration technician and went on to pursue a life long career in commercial refrigeration, eventually owning his own business, Valley Wide Refrigeration, Inc.

Michael loved the freedom and flexibility of working outdoors and had an amazing work ethic, which he instilled in his children. When he was younger his passions were weight lifting, motorcycles, dirt bikes, cycling, and racquet ball. Later in life he enjoyed riding motorcycles with his wife and taking trips to Pismo where he enjoyed camping in his 5th wheel. Family was important to Michael and when he wasn't working he was spending time with them and his beloved Yorkshire Terriers.

Michael became a Christian in 2012 and he loved sharing his faith in the hopes that it would bring others to their own relationship with the Lord. He felt he had been given a gift and he wanted to share that gift with everyone. He believed in the principle of putting God first, then spouse, family, and work. He had a great sense of humor, an infectious laugh, and he never knew a stranger; striking up conversations with people everywhere he went.

Michael was diagnosed with Cancer in January of 2007 and he fought a brave battle with it for 15 years, attributing his ongoing health to the grace and mercy of God and to Dr. Patel at CBCC. He was always grateful for everyday that both had given him. A special thank you to the staff and nurses at Hoffmann Hospice for taking such great care of Michael as well. It meant a lot to him to be able to be home with his family.

Michael is preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Michelle Robinson.

Children; Heather Robinson, Shannon (Alex) Robinson, Ryan (Ada) Robinson, and Jamie (Keoni) Garner. Grandchildren; Noah, Lincoln, Ceili, Xander, Lyle Michael, Dakota James, and Finn (due this fall). Brothers; Gary Robinson, Gregg (Pat) Robinson, Danny Robinson, Donny Robinson, adopted brother Kim, and numerous nieces and nephews.

There will be a private graveside service at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, July 16, 2022, at 3 p.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church, 4500 Buena Vista Road, Bakersfield, CA 93311. Reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. John's Lutheran Church.