Col. John Louis Robinson

John Robinson passed away in Colorado Springs on February 3, 2017, at the age of 74, from progression of severe dementia, with his wife by his side. John was born in Palo Alto, California to Franklin L. and Arline Robinson, their only child.

As John's pilot father died in WWII, John was raised by his mother. He graduated from Cubberly High School in Palo Alto, attended Institut Rosenberg in St. Gallen, Switzerland for 2 years, and graduated from St Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota in 1966, with a degree in History.

John served in the U.S. Army as an Intelligence Officer, with 27 years total service between active duty and reserves. He served in Vietnam, at Ft Riley, Kansas and at Ft Carson, as well as Korea and at the Presidio in San Francisco, in addition to many reserve assignments to Heidelberg, Germany.

John transitioned to his civilian career as the first full-time patient representative at Memorial Hospital from 1983-2004. Two aspects he enjoyed most about his job were colleagues at Memorial and patients and families he was able to help with their problems and concerns. Some of John's qualities most appreciated were his good listening and problem-solving skills, calm personality and quick, genuine smile.

While stationed at Ft Carson, John met Norma Pitchford in Sno Jets ski club. They were married August 3, 1975. John was thrilled when his daughters arrived - Ann Marie in 1984 and Christine in 1988. Providing opportunities for valuable life and learning experiences for his daughters was always a priority for John. He was also a wonderful host dad to 6 exchange students. A month-long family trip to Europe in summer 2000 was especially memorable, with a week's visit to southern France where John's father has been commemorated in the town of Six-Fours and is buried at Rhone American Cemetery at Draguignan.

John was a generous, loving son, nephew and cousin, a devoted, cheerful and thankful husband and father, and faithful friend. He is survived by wife Norma; daughter Ann Marie (Alex) Miller, and 2 granddaughters Piper and Bristol; daughter Christine (Josiah) Branson; and cousin Jill Christiansen. He leaves a legacy of righteousness, truthfulness and gentlemanly honor, and love for God and family.

The Robinson family wishes to thank the staff at MacKenzie Place Memory Care, Namaste Alzheimer's Center and Voyages Adult Day Program. Thanks also to staff and volunteers at Pikes Peak Hospice and North End Adult Day Program, as well as to friends, family and other care providers for prayers, support and encouragement over the past 4 1/2 years.

Memorial service with full military honors will be at First Presbyterian Church, 219 E Bijou St, on Thursday March 9 at 1 p.m. Graveside ceremony will be Friday March 10 at 11:00 a.m. at Ft Logan National Cemetery in Denver.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pikes Peak Library District at ppld.org, or to the Alzheimer's Association at alz.org.